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When applying for either social security disability or supplemental security income, your claim application will go through three stages. Of course, the first thing that you have to do is file your disability application with the Social Security Administration. You have the option to either forward your application through mail. The most convenient method is via phone or online application.

Stage One: The Investigation Process

Once your application is received by the Social Security Administration, the agency will conduct a thorough interview as an assessment of your disability. They will likewise evaluate the level of your education and previous occupation. They will do a face-to-face interview. However, if it will be an inconvenience for the applicant to travel, then a phone interview will be done instead.

Upon completion of the application process, the SSA will hire a doctor to conduct a medical examination to evaluate the extent of physical or psychological handicap. This will determine the fate of your application. In a normal scenario, a decision is reached two months after the application date.

It is interesting to note that six out of ten applications are denied during the medical examination.

Stage Two: The Appeal Process

When the disability application has been denied by the SSA, you can file an appeal by signing the Request for Reconsideration. Such document would have to be filed within a period of sixty days after the rejection date.

When making a request for reconsideration, you have to make sure that you have supplied fresh information such as consultations with doctors whenever necessary. Failure to do so would

completely jeopardize your application for SSD. If you have a lawyer, they will initiate the appeal on your behalf.

Stage Three: The Hearing Process

When your application has likewise been denied during the appeal process, you must now ask for a hearing. In this stage, your application is handled by the Social Security Administration.

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is appointed by the SSA to conduct the hearing. The waiting time per hearing is determined by the office handling the hearing and may take 6 months up to 2 years. Before the hearing, you have the prerogative to submit fresh medical record.

Get Help from Disability Lawyers

You should be aware that laws governing your disability claims are quite complicated. Sometimes, proving that you are no longer capable of working is not enough. Studies have shown that your chances of being approved are much higher if you will hire SSD attorneys.

The fact that you already lost your case twice is an indication that you need help. So you must not wait for a third time before considering hiring a disability lawyer.

No Win No Fee

It is comforting to know that many lawyers are governed by the principle of “no win no fee” wherein they will accept your case on a contingency basis. Unless there is a settlement of the case and the amount of compensation has been determined, lawyers will not collect any fee from you. If you lose the case, they will not get anything from rendering their services to you.


To help you with matters regarding disability and other related issues, you can consult with our disability lawyers who can assist you in claiming your social security disability benefits. Get in touch with our expert social security disability lawyers by logging on to our website and have your claim evaluated.