RESPONSE TIMES HAVE NO BEARING ON THE MERITS OF AN SSD CASE
It is not uncommon for a person's initial Social Security Disability or SSI benefit application to be denied. The speed of which a California resident's application is denied has no bearing on the strength of an individual's case. Those who handle cases generally have no deadline as to when a case must be resolved. Furthermore, cases are not necessarily reviewed in the order that they are received.
Generally speaking, the goal is to review a case in as little time as possible. However, this can only be done after relevant medical records have been obtained. Medical request forms are sent out as soon as an application is received. After that, there is little an examiner can do but wait for the request to be fulfilled. Wait times can be several weeks or more, and additional information may be necessary to make a determination.
If an individual is no longer able to work, it may be possible to apply for disability benefits. The type of benefits that a person may apply for is based on his or her work record. Those who have a sufficient work history may be entitled to SSD benefits while they are out of work. Generally, a person must show that he or she will be totally disabled for at least a year.
SSI benefits are not based on a person's work record and may be an alternative for those who don't qualify for SSD assistance. An attorney may be able to help disabled clients learn more about the type of financial support that they may be entitled to under the applicable federal law.
Related Posts: Relocation and disability applications, Rules for filing a disability claim with Social Security, The nature of work performed is a disability factor, SSD benefits may not be permanent