What is the Average Review Time for a Social Security Disability Application?
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by: albert.tobega
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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. Determining whether social security disability insurance should be given is in part dependent upon the work a person could do, in spite of his current medical condition. 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. A social security disability claims examiner uses standard medical vocational principles when evaluating an application. When determining if a person can perform a work function, the examiner will look at the functional and physical limits of the injury, how old a person is and his education. The medical vocational grid aids the examiner in establishing whether an applicant can perform a job he has had previously or other work. The medical vocational grid still leaves a lot of room for error. The limitations of a condition and the need for social security disability insurance are very difficult to fit into a simple set of guidelines. The disability examiner has to use his judgment to establish whether an applicant can perform past or other employment at a level to support himself. 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: SSDI and SSI are disability benefits, but they are quite different in their requirements. An individual qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if he has earned the minimum amount of credits through his work history by contributing to social security through his taxable earnings. Individuals who fall below certain income and resource limits can qualify for SSI or Supplemental Security Income benefits. An applicant for SSI need not have been in the workforce for a certain amount of time to be eligible for benefits.
Q: How long does a claim take?
A: If all the required paperwork is submitted and filled out correctly, the average time for a claim to be initially reviewed is 90 days. Lack of medical information is the biggest reason many applications take more time than the average. 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 your application was denied social security disability benefits after the first review step, your next steps would be filing for reconsideration and, eventually, an appeal for a hearing. 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.
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