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The Administrative Process
The social security disability process can take quite a bit of time. During this process, there are steps that you as the applicant have to take, medical evaluations that may be scheduled, case reviews at different levels of the process that are done by professionals at the SSA, and decision write ups that are done by the judges’ office. The process can be confusing; that’s why its best to contact professional attorneys who can both explain what is happening with your claim and make sure that no steps are overlooked.
The Pre-Hearing Process
INITIAL APPLICATION
There are 3 ways to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income:
1. You can apply by phone at 1-800-772-1213
2. You can apply online here at SSA.GOV
3. You can schedule an appointment with a Social Security Administrative representative to apply in person. Click here to find your local office.
WHEN TO APPLY
At Kapor | Davis & Associates, we recommend applying for disability as early as possible. The sooner the wheels start moving, the faster we can get you to your end goal. Any delay in the application could negatively affect the amount of retroactive benefits you may receive. SSD application rates in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and the other surrounding areas are some of the highest in the nation, so urgency with the application is essential to shortening the process. It is important to note, that you do not need to be unemployed for any length of time in order to apply.
TIPS FOR APPLYING
When applying, there is information you will need that can help expedite the application process for you:
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Gather your recent medical information including doctors and specialists you see, hospitalizations you've had, medications you are using, and approximate dates of service.
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Routing and bank account numbers for direct deposit if/when your application is granted.
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If married or divorced to someone you had been married to for 10 years, you will need their social security number as well as your own.
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If you have children under 18, you will need their names, ages, and social security numbers as well.
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
When is it necessary?
If your claim is denied on the initial level, you have 60 days in which you can submit a request for reconsideration. At this time you can submit more medical evidence and a new doctor will re-evaluate your claim.
What we can do
If you call Kapor | Davis & Associates we will submit this request and additional medical evidence for you. As your representative, we will receive copies of all information sent to you by the Social Security Administration regarding your claim. This ensures that you are up to date on your case and that no deadlines are missed. If you are at this stage in the process, contact us for assistance.
REQUEST FOR HEARING
When is it necessary?
If your Reconsideration is denied, the next step is a request for hearing. If you are granted a hearing, the Social Security Administration will let you know the scheduled date and time of your hearing.
What we can do
As your representatives, we will file this request for you. We will also take on the responsibility of requesting and submitting all of your medical evidence and making sure you are aware of updates in your case, including the date and time of your hearing. If you have any questions about documents you've received from the Social Security Administration, call us for answers.
Hearings
After you submit a request for a hearing, the Social Security Administration will schedule you before a judge at a specified date and time. If you choose to be self-represented, you will have to make a case for yourself and your impairments. At Kapor | Davis & Associates, we will help develop your case. We will submit your medical records, update you on deadlines, and ensure you feel knowledgeable and prepared to testify at your hearing. We provide you with direct access to the attorney and paralegal working on your case, and work personally with each client to ensure that we create the best case possible for success.
Post-Hearing
After your hearing, you will receive a decision on your claim: Fully Favorable, Partially Favorable, or Unfavorable. If your decision is Partially Favorable or Unfavorable, an appeal can be filed. As your representative, we will file the appeal paperwork and a thorough memorandum on your behalf. Similar to other stages of the process, we will be able to keep you up to date on the progression of your claim.
Navigating the Appeals Process Successfully
Our success in disability claims at Kapor | Davis & Associates is not only the result of technical knowledge, but of skillful, aggressive advocacy in hearings. If you receive an Unfavorable Decision at the hearing level, we delve into the decision written by the Administrative Law Judge and dissect it. We will file an appeal as well as submit a detailed brief to the Appeals Council explaining why your unfavorable decision was unfounded.
Federal Appeals
While the attorneys at Kapor | Davis & Associates do not appeal federally, they do refer out to a federal attorney with years of experience in the area. If this step is needed, our team makes sure that you are in reliable hands.