WHY IS MY DISABILITY CASE TAKING SO LONG?
One of the most pressing questions people seeking Social
Security or SSI benefits have is how long their claim will take. Unfortunately, the timeline can vary widely based on the specifics of your claim. Whether you are in the middle of an appeal or have just submitted your application, it can be helpful to understand the road ahead. Here’s a brief road map of what the process looks like and the speed bumps that can slow your case. The Initial Decision The first time you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will gather your medical records and make a ruling on whether or not you qualify. Depending on how old you are, the nature of your disability, and how complete your medical records are, this initial evaluation can take some time, generally 30–90 days. Due to the sheer number of applications the SSA processes, the most “clear-cut” cases of disability are processed and approved faster. Request for Reconsideration If your claim is denied, you can request the SSA re-examine your case. You must file an appeal within 60 days of receiving your initial decision. Only about 14 percent of applicants are approved during the reconsideration stage, but certain states, including New Jersey, require you to take this step before moving forward.
Appeals Most claims go to the appeal or hearing stage, where an administrative law judge
(ALJ) will evaluate the merits of your case. This is often the longest part of the process. Due to the large backlog of cases and limited number of ALJs, its not uncommon for a hearing to be delayed by a year or more. However, considering 65 percent of claims are approved during this process, this represents your absolute best chance for receiving benefits. While you can’t control how long it takes the SSA or an ALJ to get to your case, you can ensure that you are putting your best foot forward when they eventually do. Identifying the gaps in information that may have gotten your original claim denied and addressing them in subsequent requests is key to a prompt decision. An experienced team of SSD attorneys can help ensure that you are presenting your strongest case. At Young Marr & Associates, our SSD attorneys are former SSA employees with deep knowledge of this lengthy, involved process. Please reach out to us for a free consultation about your case.
GREEN BEAN AND SESAME SALAD
SUDOKU
INGREDIENTS
•
3 cups green beans, ends trimmed
•
1 small red onion, finely chopped
• • •
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• • •
Small bunch of fresh mint Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil; cook green beans for 4–5 minutes; drain well. 2. In a blender, mix finely chopped mint and parsley with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined. 3. Add dressing, onion, and sesame seeds to beans. Toss together. Cool dish, then refrigerate until ready to serve. inspired by the Delicious magazine
www.YoungMarrLaw.com | 3
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs