Application Process

Social Security/Disability and Supplemental Security Income are the two programs the Social Security Administration has available to pay disability benefits.
Disabled workers, who worked five of the last ten years, would apply for disability insurance benefits. 
Everyone else who meets certain financial criteria will apply for Supplemental Security benefits; a public assistance program based on need.
If you are unable to work for at least 12 continuous months because of a physical or mental impairment, or if your impairment is terminal, you may qualify for disability benefits.
A disability application review consist of several steps which must be requested within certain time periods and in the following order:
Step 1 – Initial Application.  Physicians will review medical evidence in your file to determine your disability.
Step 2 – Reconsideration.  Your case will be reviewed and additional evidence may be submitted so the official reviewing your case and reconsider all of the evidence to determine disability.
Step 3 - Disability Hearing.  A disability hearing provides you the opportunity to present your case to a judge who will consider the medical evidence, opinion evidence and hear your reasons that your disability benefits should be granted.
Step 4 – Appeals Council.  If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you can appeal to the Appeals Council.
Stage 5 – Federal District Court.  If you are denied again, and your case has merit, the next step is to file a case in Federal District Court.
The whole process described above can take two to three years.  Call Ingram Law Firm for help meeting the filing deadlines and acquisition of medical evidence necessary to present your case.