Millions of Americans rely on SSDI benefits to survive after becoming disabled on the job.
This means when people apply, they’re likely in need of that money.
Sometimes it can take the Social Security Administration quite a while to get through the processing of applications.
The typical wait time to be approved for SSDI is three to five months, according to The Sun.
Another startling reality is that 65% of applicants looking for disability benefits are denied.
This means you may wait even longer when appealing the decision.
Social Security: 4 helpful tools to help manage benefits
Here are ways you can be sure to get through the application process faster
Double check your information for accuracy
Sometimes applications are denied because they’re inaccurate or incomplete.
Provide detailed answers.
If you need to provide medical information regarding your disability, include finer details.
This means doctors, hospitals, treatment dates, etc.
Appeal immediately upon denial
File the appeal from the date that the denial was made.
You have 60 days to file, but the sooner you do it the faster the process will be.
By waiting it will extend how long it will take.
Ask for a judge hearing for the appeal with SSDI
You can request a hearing from an administrative law judge.
Winning doesn’t guarantee approval, but it increases your odds.
Express dire need for SSDI benefits
Sometimes if you can show you are going without the basic necessities like food or medication, your approval odds are greater.
This can happen if you’re being evicted or losing shelter.
You’ll have to write a letter expressing the financial strain and dire need for the benefits.
If you have a terminal illness your approval odds happening faster are higher
Terminal illnesses recognized by the SSA include
- Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Specific cancer types
- Those getting inpatient hospice or home hospice care
- On a cardiopulmonary life-sustaining device
- Those going to get a heart, liver, or lung transplant
You need to prove this is your situation.
Injuries in the military
You can request that your application gets processed faster if injured in the military.
The disability needed to have happened while in active duty after Oct. 1, 2001.
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