A disability may prevent you from earning any income to support yourself. Social Security Disability Insurance provides much-needed financial support that can cover your living expenses. However, waiting months to hear back on your application is not uncommon.
Approval can happen at different stages in the process. The process involves submitting your application and appealing any denial, eventually leading to a hearing before an administrative law judge. However, getting approved for disability before your hearing is possible in certain situations. Disability Advice explains the approval process and ways to fast-track your application.
Is Early Approval Possible?
Not everyone requires a hearing to receive SSDI. Recent data from the Social Security Administration shows that the approval rate at the initial application stage was 36.9% in 2022, the latest year for which numbers are available. That means that nearly 37 out of every 100 applicants never require an appeal.
Even if the SSA denies your application, it may approve it at the first appeal stage—reconsideration. At the reconsideration level, another claims examiner reviews your application and any additional evidence you submit supporting your claim. It’s an opportunity to fill in any gaps that caused a denial, such as missing medical tests or diagnoses. A successful outcome during the reconsideration stage means your application won’t require a hearing.
In 2022, 12.7% of applications submitted for reconsideration received approval. Thus, nearly 50% of all applicants received approval for disability benefits before the hearing stage.
The SSA expedites applications that meet certain criteria. Disabled military veterans and people with severe medical conditions may qualify for quick approvals without needing to attend a hearing.
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If you’re a military veteran with a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the SSA will treat your SSDI claim as high-priority. The only requirement is that you must indicate your 100% permanent & total VA disability rating on your application.
A high-priority claim puts your application at the top of the SSA’s review list. Depending on the nature of your disability and the medical evidence provided, you may receive approval without a hearing.
What Are Compassionate Allowances and How Do They Help?
The SSA maintains a list of conditions that automatically meet its medical eligibility requirements for SSDI. People with these severe conditions can seek a Compassionate Allowance to receive expedited approval for benefits through the SSA. Examples of Compassionate Allowance Conditions include some types of cancer, adult brain disorders, and rare childhood diseases.
You may not need to attend a hearing if you have a condition on the Compassionate Allowance list. The SSA uses advanced technology to identify such claims and fast-track approvals.
Why Many Disability Claims Require a Hearing
The SSA rigorously evaluates every SSDI application it receives. The strict process leaves applicants with little room for error. The slightest mistake can cause the SSA to deny your claim, leaving you with no option but to go through the appeals process.
A major reason why the SSA may deny your benefits is insufficient medical evidence. The SSA sets strict medical criteria for qualifying conditions, as outlined in its so-called Blue Book. A doctor’s diagnosis may not be enough to demonstrate that your condition meets the exact criteria to substantiate your claim. Including medical tests, lab results, and other relevant information can overcome this barrier. You must also present evidence of the functional limitations caused by your condition to prove it prevents you from working.
Short-term medical conditions won’t qualify you for SSDI, either. Under the SSA’s requirements, your condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Sometimes applicants don’t fully understand the SSDI eligibility requirements. Simply having a disability that prevents you from working won’t be enough to receive benefits. You must also meet the work history requirements and have accrued a sufficient amount of work credits. Generally, that means earning at least 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the past 10 years.
If the SSA denies your benefits at the initial application stage, you can progress through its appeal process. Appeals start with a reconsideration. You may need to attend a hearing if the SSA denies your reconsideration appeal.
How To Increase Your Chances of Approval Before Your Hearing
Hearings aren’t a requirement of the SSA’s application process. You’ll only attend a hearing if you decide to appeal an initially denied application that fails the reconsideration stage. There are several ways to boost your chances of approval and avoid lengthy appeals.
Submitting Comprehensive Medical Evidence
Approval for SSDI requires meeting the disability criteria set forth by the SSA. The agency closely examines all the evidence you provide, including diagnoses, lab tests, blood work, and other medical records. While the SSA may collaborate with you to obtain the necessary documents, it encourages applicants to include evidence with their application.
Submitting thorough, current records may expedite the approval process. When the SSA has the information it needs to decide your claim, there’s less back-and-forth between you and the claims examiners. It may also result in a quick approval that doesn’t require an appeal.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Disability attorneys understand what the SSA looks for during the claims evaluation process. They’re familiar with common application mistakes that prevent early approval. If you’re worried about a lengthy approval process or appeal, it’s well worth hiring an attorney to help.
An attorney can review your application from top to bottom, including its supporting evidence. They’ll verify your SSDI application is error-free, which boosts your chances of a quick approval.
Filing for Reconsideration or Expedited Handling
The SSA offers an expedited appeals process for applicants who request it. The only requirement is that you ask for expedited handling within 60 days of your initial decision. You must submit your request in writing to one of the SSA’s in-person offices.
Utilizing the Compassionate Allowances program can also fast-track your claim. However, you must have a condition on the Compassionate Allowances list to qualify.
Can You Get Approved Without a Hearing, Even After a Denial?
If the SSA denies your initial application, read over the notice to understand the claims examiner’s reasoning. A denial doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t qualify for benefits. Many applicants must go through the appeals process before they get approved for SSDI.
The first stage of appeals is reconsideration. In this type of appeal, another claims examiner reviews your application and any additional support you provide. If you’re approved following reconsideration, you won’t need to file any more appeals, and you’ll receive benefits.
To increase your chances of approval during reconsideration, address any application shortfalls noted in the denial letter. For instance, you may need to provide additional medical support or information about your functional limitations. An attorney can help you determine what’s necessary to put together a strong case for reconsideration.
FAQs About Getting Disability Approval Before Your Hearing
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Disability Before a Hearing?
The average time to hear back from the SSA on an initial application is 230 days. Reconsiderations take an average of 213 days to process. With such long wait times, it’s critical to put together a thorough and complete application from the outset.
What if My Disability Claim Is Denied, But I Still Feel I Qualify?
Understand the driving factors behind the denial and prepare an appeal that addresses them. An attorney can provide clear guidance and represent you during the process.
What Can I Do To Ensure My Disability Claim Doesn't Require a Hearing?
Do your best to build a comprehensive claim that includes supporting medical evidence. If you qualify for expedited approval under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance or Disabled Veterans’ program, say so in your application.
Get the Help You Need To Navigate the Process
Obtaining SSDI can be a lengthy process. If the SSA denies your initial application, you must address any errors and fill in any gaps before filing for reconsideration. If successful, you may get approved for disability before your hearing.
Consider asking a lawyer for guidance when applying for SSDI. Disability Advice can connect you with a qualified attorney who can help you throughout the process. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
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