WAYS TO HURRY UP MY SSDI DECISION

It's a well known fact that it usually takes 2 years or more to get Social Security disabiilty benefits.  But is there a way to speed up this agonizingly slow process?  

There are some things that will help avoid needless delays:

1.  Provide Social Security will full and correct names and addresses of your treating doctors, hospitals, clinics, counselors or other providers.  Social Security orders medical records by mail and a full mailing address with zip code is essential.  You cannot simply say, "Dr. Smith at Lakeshore."  This vague information can hold up a case for months while Social Security tries to figure out which Dr. Smith at Lakeshore?  Ultimately, they will order records from the wrong doctor, wait months for a reply, then get a note that says, "We have no records of a patient with this name."  Take time to provide full, complete information on providers.  Don't guess at doctor's addresses or phone numbers.

2.   Return all forms to Social Security right away.  After you file your application, the Disability Determination Service (DDS) will mail you a large pack of forms to complete and return.  This packet will typically include:

• Work History Report and
• Function Report 

Depending on your background, you may also get additional questionnaires.  If you have migraine headaches, you may get a Headache Questionnaire.  If you have seizures, you may get a Seizure Questionnaire.  If you complain of chronic pain, they may send you a Pain Questionnaire.  If there is any history of substance abuse, you may get a Drug and Alcohol Questionnaire.

Failure to fill out and return any of these questionnaires will result in one of two negative actions:  Social Security will delay making a decision for weeks or months because they do not have the forms, or they will deny the claim because of "lack of sufficient evidence to make a decision."

3.  Return phone calls to Social Security or the Disability Determination Service right away.  Usually, a phone call from these people is nothing to worry about.  They may simply need a piece of simple information that was omitted from the application, such as a correct date of birth, last date you worked, etc.  

Keep in mind that the "disability specialist" at the Disability Determination Service who is assigned to your case is very busy.  He or she may be handling 80 other cases at the same time.  Therefore, he/she can only spend so much time on your case.  Make it easy for them by providing full information, returning forms and phone calls on time, and doing whatever you can to help move the case along.