The Four Stages of the Social Security Disability Process

When filing for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to know what you are dealing with and how the disability process works. Specifically, there are four stages in the disability process. The first stage involves filing an application for Social Security Disability benefits, completing the initial interview at the Field Office, undergoing the medical evaluation, and receiving a decision from Social Security regarding your application.

If Social Security denies the application, then you will receive a letter indicating as such and informing you of your rights to appeal the denial decision. When you appeal the denial, the Field Office will review the medical evidence and evidence in the record and either confirm or reverse its decision. If Social Security confirms the decision, it will send a letter to that affect and inform you of your rights to appeal to the Hearing Office for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

The first two stages are conducted by the Field Office. After the second denial, and if the case is appealed, the case will get transferred to the Hearing Office, also known as the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review ("ODAR"). At this point, it is recommended that you retain a Fort Wayne Indiana Disability Attorney to represent you at the disability hearing.

The disability attorney will be able to review the evidence in the record, identify the missing gaps, take steps to fill those gaps and do everything necessary to prepare your case for a successful outcome. The disability attorney will also prepare the disability claimant for the hearing, then represent you at the hearing.

If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, contact a Fort Wayne Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney for a free case review and free consultation and advice.