The first thing that has to happen to start a Social Security claim is that you have to apply for Social Security by filing an application with the Social Security Administration District Office in your local area. Your can do this by going to the nearest Social Security office in person and wait to see someone to file the claim in person. You may also contact the Social Security office by telephone and have a phone interview to file the claim. Your third option for filing a claim is to do so online at ssa.gov. You can file for Social Security disability benefits on the same day that you become disabled. If you suffer a serious illness or injury and expect to be out of work for a year or more than you should not wait to file a claim for your Social Security disability benefits.

After you file your Social Security disability claim, the case is sent to a disability examiner at the Disability Determination agency in your state. Social Security will gather your medical records and carefully consider all of your health problems, as well as your age, education, and work experience. They are to decide if you can return to your past work. If you are unable to do your past work, they will then consider if there is any other work you can do based on your health problems, age, education and work experience.

You will likely receive a denial by the Social Security Administration between 30 to 120 days following the application. Do not be surprised or discouraged if you do receive a denial. Less than 40% of Social Security disability claims are approved at the initial level. If you do receive a denial, this is the best time to contact Aaron Sachs and Associates to help you with filing for an appeal. There is a 60 day deadline from the date of the denial in which to file for an appeal. This is a very small window and the sooner you contact Aaron Sachs and Associates the better.

Once you have filed for the appeal, you may have to wait 18-24 months for a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge. Notification will be 20 days prior to the actual hearing date. While you are waiting for your hearing date, the staff at Aaron Sachs and Associates will gather your medical records, school records, medical source statements, and statements from friends and family. These items may be needed as evidence to win your appeal and for you to be able to receive your Social Security disability benefits.

When you receive your date for hearing, you will meet with the staff from Aaron Sachs and Associates to prepare for your hearing with the Administrative Law Judge. At the time of your Social Security disability benefits hearing, both you and the attorney will participate. Once the hearing is over, you may receive a decision within 3 weeks to 4 months.

This is just a brief overview of how a Social Security disability claim may proceed and there are more details that we could not include, so if you have been denied your Social Security disability benefits and need to file for an appeal, please contact Attorney Lynne C. Lamy or paralegal, Tammy Davis at Aaron Sachs and Associates by email or by calling our office toll-free at 1-888-777-2886. You can also submit our easy-to-use Do I have a Case? form for your convenience.