Q: Should you have a social security lawyer if your disability claim was denied?
A: Having your case reconsidered is your next option if you were not approved for disability after the initial review process. Having a social security lawyer on your side as you undergo reconsideration can be extremely beneficial, especially if you are once again denied. You will need to submit all the required paperwork within 60 days of when your claim was denied. If you do not submit the paperwork in that timeframe, you will likely have to start the application process all over again. A large number of applications are not approved the first time. Many cases are actually not approved until they have been through a hearing. But your case must be denied an appeal to be reconsidered before you can ask for a hearing. That is why it is so crucial that you meet the deadline for reconsideration. As previously mentioned, a social security lawyer can be a tremendous help, as your claim navigates both the reconsideration and hearing processes.
Q: Once you have requested a hearing, how much time does it take?
A: The time it can take to schedule a hearing once it has been requested can vary greatly. It can take a year or two until a hearing is scheduled. The time it takes to schedule a hearing varies from state to state and is affected by the number of claims that are currently in the hearing process. Make sure you make a hearing appeal as soon as you receive notification that your appeal for reconsideration was denied. Having an advocate like a social security lawyer on your side during the hearing process can be extremely beneficial. A social security lawyer will assure that your case has been properly prepared and will be presented comprehensively during the hearing.
Q: Should you be concerned if you have not heard anything after a hearing request has been made on a social security disability claim?
A: It is not uncommon to hear little from the Office of Hearings and Appeals for long periods of time. Typically, a claimant will be sent a letter confirming the request for a hearing, another to provide the information about a scheduled hearing and one notifying the claimant of approval or denial once the case has been heard. A list detailing all the information in your case may also be provided somewhere in the hearing process. If you have concerns about the status of your claim, contact a social security lawyer.