Waiting For Your SSD Benefits Application Results

Milwaukee, WI Attorney For Guidance Throughout the Social Security Disability Benefits Application Process

After submitting your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you are likely to face an extended waiting period before you receive a response indicating that your benefits have been approved or denied. This waiting period can be extremely stressful, especially when you expect to rely on those benefits as your primary source of financial support.

You should be prepared to wait during the Social Security benefits application process, but you do not have to go through the process alone. Attorney Jonathan Pearson will be there with you to ensure that you understand what is happening with your case and help you take any possible steps to keep the process moving. Throughout this time, you can rest assured that Jonathan will not charge any fees unless you are ultimately granted benefits.

Common Questions While Waiting for Social Security Disability Benefits

It is only natural for you to have questions while you are waiting for your application to be reviewed. Jonathan can answer specific questions about your case, but these answers to common questions may also help you feel more at ease:

• How long does the review process take? The time it takes for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reach a decision varies from case to case. Most applicants receive a decision within a few months of submitting their application. If the application is approved, benefits can follow soon after the decision, but if the application is denied, an appeal can add several months or even more than a year to the process.
• What happens during the review process? After you submit your application, the SSA will begin the process of reviewing your eligibility for benefits. This includes looking into your employment history and income to determine whether you have earned enough Social Security credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits or whether you have a financial need that qualifies you for SSI benefits. The SSA will also work with the Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) to review your medical condition and determine whether it makes substantial gainful activity (SGA) impossible. If your specific condition is on the SSA's list of qualifying impairments, you may be issued a decision more quickly. If your condition is not on the list, the review will continue to determine whether you are unable to perform your past work or any other work.
• Will I need to undergo a medical examination? If you have already been examined and treated by a qualified medical professional, and you include detailed information about your treatment and condition with your application, this may be all the SSA and the DDB need to make a decision regarding your eligibility. However, if the DDB feels that it needs more information, you may be asked to undergo a medical examination. We can help you understand what to expect, but in general, this examination comes at no cost to you, and it is often best to attend a scheduled examination so that the review process can continue without additional delay.
• How can I help the review process move forward? In addition to attending any requested medical examinations, you must respond promptly to other requests for additional information. If you experience a change in your condition, or if you seek further treatment, you should provide updates to the DDB so that they can complete your review with all relevant information. Some medical conditions qualify for compassionate allowances, meaning that if you have one of these conditions, the SSA can expedite the process of approving benefits.
• How can I support myself while my application is under review? Jonathan has compassion for your financial difficulty during this time, and he can help you explore other federal, state, and community options that may provide support, including public housing, Wisconsin's FoodShare program, and charitable organizations. It may also help to look to support from family and friends who are able to provide it.

Contact a South Milwaukee SSDI and SSI Benefits Attorney

If you are waiting for Social Security disability benefits and looking for additional guidance, contact us today at 414-240-4801 for a free consultation. We help clients in Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Waukesha County, and surrounding areas.