How to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Early Decision

You can take steps to speed up the Social Security disability and SSI claim application and appeal process.   With current caseloads in overworked Social Security offices, it can take as long as 3 years to for a decision to be made.  Properly prepared files will be processed faster.

A few years ago, I wrote a book entitled the Disability Answer Guide that shows claimants how to fill out Social Security’s forms using methods that actually make sense to Social Security personnel.  I wrote this book for claimants struggling to fill out confusing initial application and reconsideration appeal forms.   Even if you don’t order my book I encourage you to visit the Disability Answer Guide web site for the free information that is there.  Here are some ideas that I have used over the years to move my clients’ cases along.

Know What the Social Security Claims Rep is Looking For

You first need to recognize that Social Security decision makers are looking for certain things in your appeal forms.  While SSA is concerned about your medical issues, they really are more interested in how those medical problems affect your ability to work.

I recommend that before you start working on the forms, you should write out a very clear statement about your case that will be used in each form you send into SSA.  At its core, Social Security looks at your capacity for work in evaluating your disability claim.  Remember, just like your medical condition is important another thing that is very important is how your medical problem affects your ability to work.  Make sure that you classify your specific work limitations that occurred from your medical problem.

Here is an example:  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, these are things that you will want to mention on your forms.  Don’t say “I can’t sit very long” or “I can’t walk very far.”  The more specific the better.

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.

Listing Level Cases Are Approved Early

In addition, take a few minutes and review the Social Security listings to 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.  Whenever possible, ask your physician to write a letter explaining that your condition prevents you to work.  This will increase your chances for early approval.

File Your Appeal Quickly and File it Online

If you are denied, file an appeal as quickly as possible.  You have a 60 day period to appeal but there is no reason to wait – the earlier your appeal is filed the better.   Further, when possible you should file your appeal online.   In my office, I have found that appeals filed online tend to get processed faster.

Keep in mind that Social Security’s main concern is with a person’s work limitations.  Ask your physician to “translate” your medical issues into specific work limitations.   Using this method, you will be giving the Social Security adjudicator exactly what she needs to approve your case early.