An application for Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits most often goes through three phases, which include:
- The application process. This phase usually lasts at least six months. The initial claim denial rate is very high – 65 percent.
- The reconsideration phase. If your initial claim is denied, the Social Security Administration will reconsider if you request it. This process generally takes four to six months to reconsider a claim.
- The wait to present a case to an administrative law judge (ALJ). This wait currently averages 18 to 24 months.
Without intervention, it is impossible to speed the appeals claims process. An appeal hearing, after it is finally granted, lasts approximately one hour. An experienced Social Security law attorney can seek to speed your appeal claim, and can present a fully prepared claim in your hearing to fully capitalize on the small amount of time the administration allows for the presentation of your case.
Help With the Social Security Claim Appeals Process
At the Social Security law firm of Richard A. Sly, Attorney at Law, we are experienced at fighting the slow pace of the claim appeals process, and at presenting effective, persuasive and ultimately successful arguments for the payment of benefits in appeals hearing. For 30 years, we have worked to:
- Work with Social Security screeners so that our cases can be heard early, and so that benefits can be granted without a hearing
- Fully prepare your case in advance, so that we can "humanize" you and present the debilitating effects of your medical challenges persuasively. We work to obtain all relevant medical records, as well as hearsay evidence in support of you claim from friends, neighbors, family members, co-workers and former co-workers
- Explain the appeals process to clients so they can know what to expect at each stage of their case
Some serious medical issues can lead to an expedited appeals process, and our success rate at the appeals level is high. For more information and a free consultation, contact our office.
Contact a Portland SSD or SSI Appeals Attorney
If you have questions regarding Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income law, contact lawyer Richard Sly. We offer free initial consultations. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Portland near public transportation, and we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, so that you pay no attorneys' fees out of pocket. Call us at 888-840-2864 or contact us online.
