Have you applied for SSD (Social Security Disability) benefits? If so, you should be prepared to practice patience.
This process can take between three and five months to hear an initial decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, if you are disabled and not working, the waiting can take a toll on you and your family.
While it can be frustrating, there are steps you can take during this waiting period to stay proactive. These include:
Keep going to scheduled doctor’s appointments
If you have been declared disabled, you will likely have ongoing appointments with your doctor for check-ups. Ensure that you attend these and keep records of when they occurred, what was discussed and the cost of medical services. All this provides ongoing information to the SSA that you are still disabled and unable to work.
Check with the claims examiner for updates
Sometimes, the disability claims process needs a bit of encouragement to keep things moving. If you are persistent and continue checking in (politely) about your claim, it may help expedite things. Keep in mind that this isn’t guaranteed, but you can also find out if you have missed a message or correspondence that needs your attention.
Waiting for the benefits you desperately need is challenging. With the tips here, you can ensure you are taking the right steps while waiting to hear if your claim for Social Security Disability benefits has been approved. While the process can take some time, knowing what to do while waiting will only help you in the long run. If your claim isn’t going as expected, it may be time to seek additional legal guidance.