Law Offices of
Kenneth Hiller, PLLC
Phone: 412-564-0041
Toll-free: 888-322-9399
Fax: 716-564-3291
Speeding Up the Social Security Disability Process
The Social Security system has a huge backlog of people applying for disability benefits, and the backlog gets even bigger when it comes to scheduling hearings for people whose initial applications have been denied. Unfortunately, some people simply can't afford to wait.
At The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC, our attorneys help clients in Buffalo. Rochester, and Syracuse, and throughout western, central and upstate New York pursue options for expediting their Social Security hearings.
Contact us to set up a free consultation with an attentive lawyer. We are generally able to schedule appointments within one business day.
Pursuing an Expedited Process When You Have an Urgent Need
Under normal circumstances, it can take an average of 15 to 18 months to get a Social Security disability (SSD) or SSI hearing scheduled. However, applicants are eligible to have their hearing dates moved up through an expedited process in either of the following situations:
- You can demonstrate dire financial need
- You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness
In both of these cases, the Social Security Administration understands the importance of scheduling a hearing on your appeal as quickly as possible. However, it can be difficult to convince them that you meet the criteria for an expedited hearing.
Our attorneys are experienced at getting the documentation necessary to get Social Security hearings expedited when our clients qualify for this process.
Seeking a Decision Without an In-Person Hearing
If you do not qualify for an expedited hearing, it still may be possible to speed up the process of getting an administrative law judge to look at your initially denied disability claim.
After we have worked with you and your doctor to get the evidence we need to support your claim, if we believe we have everything needed to establish your disability without any need for an in-person hearing, we will request an on-the-record decision based solely on written evidence.
Not every judge grants on-the-record decision requests, but it is worth trying if we have sufficient written evidence. Contact us to have our attorneys look at the facts of your case and help you decide whether to pursue this option.
