How Can I Win my Social Security Case Early?

You need to do everything in your power in order to speed up the application process when it comes to Social Security disability and SSI claims.  It can take as long as 3 years from the original application date for a decision to be made. A few years ago, I wrote a book entitled the Disability Answer Guide that assists claimants in filling out Social Security’s forms using methods that may increase your chances of getting an early decision.

Know what Social Security is Looking For

The first thing that you will want to do is know exactly what Social Security is looking for.  At its core, Social Security looks at your capacity for work in evaluating your disability claim.  While your medical condition is important, equally or perhaps more important is HOW YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO WORK.  Make sure that you classify your specific work limitations that occurred from your medical problem.

Once you have determined the work limitations brought about by your medical condition, write out a very clear statement about these limitations that will be used in each form you send into SSA.

So, if you’re suffering from a herniated disk that causes you to have problems sitting for more than 10 minutes without having to move, if you have trouble standing for more than 5 minutes in place, if you can’t walk longer than 300 yards without feeling the need to stop, if you can’t lift more than 8 pounds and your pain is at a level 7 on a 10 point scale, then these are things that you will want to mention on your forms.

Keep in mind that once you have acknowledged your specific work limitations; make sure that you ask your physician to support your claim by placing your limitations in a letter, a narrative report, or even a checklist form.  The more medical evidence available to back up your claim, the better your chances of getting an early decision.

Listing Level Cases are Approved Early

In addition, make sure that you review the Social Security listings and find one that matches your condition.  Listing level cases normally get approved faster in the process because a listing always explains a severe medical condition.  If you do find a listing that matches your condition, be sure to ask your physician to write a letter to back that up.  This will increase your chances for early approval.

Keep in mind that Social Security’s main concern is with a person’s work limitations.  Again, see if your physician can “translate” your medical issues into more specific work limitations.  This way, you’re giving Social Security exactly what they want to see.

If Denied, File an Appeal Online Quickly

If for some reason you are denied, file an appeal as quickly as possible.  You are actually given a 60 day period to appeal. Don’t wait until day 30 to file your appeal.