Can You Speed Up a Disability Claim?

Who Qualifies for Expedited Processing?

Many individuals with disabilities apply for disability benefits because they have no other way to pay their bills. Unfortunately, wait times for disability applicants can be long, spanning months or even years, depending on how many times you apply for a reconsideration of your application. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the disability claims process, one of which is expedited processing.

Expedited processing is for individuals with certain medical conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two ways to receive disability payments faster under expedited processing: Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD). Around 175,000 applications are fast-tracked every year through these programs.

You do not have to request to be considered for fast-tracking. The SSA uses a computer software program to flag eligible applicants. However, if you do have a qualifying condition, which can be found on the SSA’s website, you can note that on your application.

The disability benefits process can be overwhelming and frustrating for many people. If you need assistance receiving benefits or fast-tracking your application, contact our experienced legal team today.

What if You Have a Terminal Illness?

Terminal illnesses almost always qualify you for expedited processing. Social Security calls terminal illness cases TERI cases. TERI cases are applications that involve illnesses that are expected to result in death.

Qualifying conditions for TERI cases include:

• AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• In-patient hospice care or home hospice care
• Malignant and stage IV cancers
• Those awaiting liver, heart, lung, or bone marrow transplants

The Social Security software system will automatically flag applicants with qualifying terminal illnesses. You can note in your application that your medical condition is expected to result in death.

Who Qualifies for Dire Financial Need?

Individuals who are facing extreme circumstances may qualify for immediate financial assistance. If you do not have food, medicine, or shelter, the SSA can expedite your claim to process your application faster. The SSA calls these Dire Need Cases (DRND).

You can either call your local Social Security office and explain your situation or submit a dire need letter to the SSA. In your explanation, include details about your circumstances and your financial situation. If you are submitting a letter, include reports like medical records and eviction notices to support your claim. You can request a DRND case at any point during the application process.

Do Military Personnel Receive Expedited Processing?

Social Security may expedite applications for U.S. military and armed forces veterans. Veterans must qualify as “wounded warriors,” meaning they were disabled while in active service or have a compensation rating of 100 percent permanent and total (P&T) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

When you apply for benefits, you can note on your application that you qualify as a wounded warrior or a veteran rated 100 percent P&T. For more information about veterans and disability benefits, contact our law firm today.

How Can You Speed Up the Disability Hearing Process?

Individuals whose applications are rejected twice can request a disability hearing within 60 days. Unfortunately, the wait time for disability hearings is one of the longest in the whole process, spanning upwards of 13 months or longer.

There are two ways to speed up the wait time before your disability hearing:

Waive Notice Requirements

The SSA will notify you of your disability hearing 75 days in advance. By opting out of this notice period, you can potentially get your hearing scheduled sooner.

On-the-Record Request

Requesting an on-the-record (OTR) decision allows a judge to make a determination about your benefit eligibility without you present. They will use the information from your case file instead of your in-person testimony.

Can a Disability Benefits Attorney Help Me?

The disability benefits application process involves months of wait time, which can be very discouraging. By working with an attorney on our team, you can potentially expedite the process, allowing you to receive your much-needed benefits sooner.

Our team of attorneys has extensive experience assisting clients with disability benefits applications and claims. We are confident that we can help you every step of the way. For more information, call Roeschke Law at 480-999-4740.