The first step in obtaining Social Security benefits is to file an application. After that, you will be given a Disability Report to complete. The form requests personal information about you and your disability such as the names of your doctors and your past employers. You should have all of this information handy. It is important that you be thorough on this report. All details are important.
About 30 days after you apply, your file will be assigned to a Medical Adjudicator at the Office of Disability Determinations (ODD). By law, the Medical Adjudicator must order all of your medical records from each of the doctors and hospitals you listed on the Disability Report. This is why it is important to be thorough. We want them to obtain every piece of medical evidence important to your case.
At this stage, you may receive additional forms asking you to describe your pain and symptoms, or you may be asked to attend one or more medical examinations. We will advise you whether to attend these exams or not. All of these steps are important to gather the evidence we will need in your case so it is important to cooperate with the Adjudicator.
After all of the relevant information is in your file, a decision will be issued by the Adjudicator. You will receive a copy of the decision. This usually takes about three months. We only have sixty days to file an appeal if your case is denied.
If you are turned down on your initial application, don’t give up! We feel strongly about your case and we will continue fighting for you. Contact us now! We can help you. We can guide you. And together, we can succeed.
