How does the process work to apply for Social Security Disability?

The first step to make is to apply for disability.  We can assist you in doing that by meeting with you and walking through the online application with you.

The social security administration will then make a decision on your application.  Unfortunately, for the vast majority of people that means a denial.

Once you are denied, you will need to timely appeal the decision. This step in the appeal process is called reconsideration.   If you have not already hired an attorney, this is the time that you need to do so.  Please also make sure that you do so immediately, so that the appeal can be timely filed in order to avoid having to start the whole process over again.

The social security administration will then review then case.  Unless there has been a significant change in your condition between the initial application and the reconsideration, the likely result will be another denial from social security.

At this point, you or your attorney will file a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge.  This is the step where you are able to go before a judge who independently reviews your case and hears your testimony.  This is the step at which most people are approved for disability.

Social Security disability is a long process and usually takes 12-18 months (sometimes longer) before a final decision is made by the administrative law judge.  You should not get frustrated with the process and give up on disability if you are unable to work.

Teresa E. Harvey

If you are interested in learning more about social security disability or in getting assistance to apply, please contact Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A., at 601-948-8005 or by going to our website at http://www.cglawms.com .