The Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims process can be a lengthy, overwhelming journey. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers understand that time is of the essence for SSDI applicants who need benefits to get by. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped workers in the greater New York City area get the SSDI and workers’ compensation benefits they need. Here, we explain how expedited SSDI claims work and potential timeframes for getting your application approved.
What is an Expedited Claim for SSDI Benefits?
Expedited Social Security Disability claims are processed more quickly than the usual timeline followed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Standard processing time for SSDI claims can take several months to more than a year.
Expedited processing of an SSDI claim is available to those who meet specific criteria, such as having a severe medical condition, experiencing financial hardship, or circumstances like sustaining an injury or condition related to military service that keeps you from working. Our SSDI attorneys are well-versed in handling expedited claims. We can determine whether you may be eligible for expedited processing and work to fast-track your claim.
Who is Eligible for an Expedited Claim?
Determining whether you qualify for one of the programs for expedited processing can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the SSA’s rules, procedures, and definition of a disability. Having a knowledgeable attorney evaluate your case and assist with your claim can help you save time and ensure all requirements are met and processes are followed. SSA programs that may qualify you for expedited processing include:
Compassionate Allowances (CAL)
The Social Security Compassionate Allowance Program is designed for those with serious medical conditions that meet the SSA’s criteria for disabilities that are pre-approved for faster processing. The Compassionate Allowance list includes certain types of aggressive cancers and rare genetic disorders, such as acute leukemia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The CAL list is regularly updated based on input from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), medical experts, the public, and advocacy groups. Compassionate allowance claims are often processed and approved in a matter of weeks or 1-2 months.
Terminal Illness (TERI)
The SSDI terminal illness program (TERI) allows for expedited claims for those with untreatable conditions that are expected to result in imminent death. Examples of these conditions include advanced organ failure and end-stage cancer. TERI claims are prioritized by the SSA, and may be approved in a few days or weeks.
Dire Need (DRND)
Dire Need (DRND) cases involve claimants who are in financial straits and may lack access to basic needs like shelter, food, or necessary medical care. To qualify, claimants must provide evidence of financial hardship. A dire need claim typically takes about 30 days to be processed. If your claim is initially denied, you may qualify for an expedited hearing date for your appeal.
Disabled Veterans
The SSA also expedites processing of applications from veterans who have a VA disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) or if they develop a disability while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001. The programs, processes, and criteria for VA and SSDI eligibility are very different. Although the VA and SSA may work cooperatively to expedite your claim, it’s vital to have an experienced Social Security Disability attorney assist you to ensure all SSDI processes and requirements are met.
Having a Social Security Disability lawyer identify which category or program may apply to you can help to ensure the SSA prioritizes your application.
How a Long Island SSDI Attorney Can Help Expedite Your Claim
A complete application that includes strong supporting evidence is critical for an expedited claim. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help gather critical documentation such as medical records, employment history, and evidence of financial hardship if appropriate.
Medical evidence is a cornerstone of any Social Security Disability application. SSDI attorneys know which medical records to request and work with your health care providers to prepare detailed statements explaining how your condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability. Your attorney knows how to present medical evidence in a way that supports your eligibility for expedited processing.
Common errors or omissions can set your claim back or result in an SSDI denial. Our Social Security Disability attorneys ensure that each part of your application is complete and follows SSA guidelines. They can also handle all communications with the SSA, respond to requests for additional documentation, and follow up promptly to address any potential delays or issues that could affect the expedited processing of your SSDI claim.
Our SSDI lawyers understand the unique challenges of expedited claims and know how to navigate complex SSA rules and regulations. If you are in dire need, we may also advocate for presumptive disability payments while your claim is being processed. We also ensure that you get any retroactive SSDI benefits you may be entitled to receive.
Help with SSDI Appeals
Even expedited Social Security Disability claims can be denied. An SSDI lawyer can help you file an appeal quickly and ensure important deadlines are met. They can determine why your SSDI claim was denied and strengthen it with additional evidence or arguments. If your claim is denied after reconsideration and goes before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your lawyer can ask for an expedited hearing date, prepare you for the hearing, and effectively present your case.
If you’re considering applying for expedited SSDI benefits, your existing application has been delayed, or you need help with an appeal, our team is here for you. We provide the compassionate legal support and advocacy you need to get the benefits you deserve. Having our experienced SSDI attorneys in your corner can streamline the process, give you peace of mind, and offer the best chance of a successful expedited claim so you can start receiving benefits as soon as possible.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in the Greater New York City Area
Our Social Security Disability attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, are dedicated to helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. If you need help with an expedited SSDI claim in the greater NYC area, call at 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a consultation today. Attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela offers our Spanish-speaking clients legal services they can trust.
