What is the Average Review Time for a Social Security Disability Application?
View PDF | Print View
by: albert.tobega
Total views: 47
Word Count: 482
Q: Can the outcome of a social security disability case be affected by the employment record of an applicant?
A: Yes, work history is a factor for all disability claims. Social security disability benefits are awarded not simply based on an injury, but also on the employment activities a person could be engaged in with the injury. The disability examiner for your case will, therefore, look at your employment record to see the types of work you have performed in the past. In addition, your work history will also help the examiner for your case know if you can perform other types of work. To make social security disability claims less subjective, a set of guidelines were established to help the case manager determine the eligibility of an applicant. The age of an applicant, academic history and limitations caused by the medical condition are all factored in. This grid helps them decide if a person is capable of doing any of his previous employment or other employment. The medical vocational grid still leaves a lot of room for error. The grid alone cannot be used for determination of social security disability benefits. The claims manager will still need to use some common sense and subjectivity to determine if a person can perform work. Your record of previous employment is usually the second most important aspect (next to medical condition) in establishing whether benefits should be awarded.
Q: Are SSDI and SSI the same thing?
A: Both SSI and SSDI are disability programs offered by Social Security, but they are not the same thing. To be eligible for SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, an applicant must have been in the workforce long enough to have accrued enough work credits for benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is awarded based on financial need. An individual does not need to have worked enough to have accumulated work credits to be awarded SSI.
Q: How long does a claim take?
A: For applications that are complete and filed appropriately, the usual turnaround time for the initial review process is 3 or 4 months. The most common reason an application is delayed is due to a wait for medical records. To lessen the likelihood that your case will take longer than the average, make sure the examiner handling your application has all the necessary items to review your case. If you receive notification that your social security disability claim was not approved after the initial review process, you will probably wish to have it reconsidered and (if necessary) heard before an administrative judge. Reconsideration and an appeal for hearing will, of course, add time to your process. Many cases have been in the process for 2 years by the time they are heard.
About the Author
More information related to social security benefits, browse to this web page.
Rating: Not yet rated