The Claim Process in Jefferson City, MO

Simple Steps to Apply for a Claim

The First Step - Applying for Disability Benefits:
You can apply at your local Social Security office. To find your nearest office, see www.ssa.gov/locator. Some claims can be filed online at www.ssa.gov. The application interview is basically designed for the SS claim worker to obtain information from you regarding your disability, your doctors, when you last worked and your work history over the last 15 years. The SSA office will then obtain the medical records on your claim (you do not need to obtain your medical records), and have the SS doctors review the medical evidence. If they need more information about your medical condition, they will send you for a medical examination, paid for by SSA. 

It typically takes about 3 months for SSA to make a determination on your claim. Once they make their decision on whether you are disabled, they will notify you in writing. If you are given benefits you will receive a “Notice of Award” letter that includes information about your monthly amount and any back pay you will receive. If you are denied benefits, you will receive a “Notice of Disapproved Claim” letter that explains why SSA denied your claim. 

If you want to appeal a denial letter, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to appeal. If we are representing you, we will file the appeal on your behalf.

The Second Step - Reconsideration:

If you are denied at the initial level, you have a right to appeal their decision. Don’t give up. You can ask Social Security to reconsider their decision to deny you (This step is actually called “Reconsideration”). Your claim gets sent back to the Social Security office and they will have a fresh claims reviewer look at your file – not the same person who denied you before. You should know, it’s still tough to get approved at this step. Most people (at least 66%) get denied again. As hard as this seems, you still shouldn’t get discouraged. You have more chances to win Social Security Disability benefits. 

The Third Step - A Hearing before a Judge:

Once you have filed the appeal, your case then is transferred to the Office of Hearings Operations. This is the office where the Judges (Administrative Law Judges, or ALJs) work. The ALJs work independently and are not bound by any earlier decision made denying your claim. Once your file reaches the OHO office, your case is placed in line to someday be scheduled for a hearing. There are hundreds of cases at any given time at the OHO office, so it takes several months before your case will be scheduled for a hearing.   

Once your case is scheduled, a Notice of Hearing letter will be mailed to you (and my office if I am representing you). If I am representing you, I will prepare you for the hearing and obtain the necessary medical evidence for your case. We will attend the hearing together and try to convince the Judge you are entitled to benefits. 

Most hearings take an hour or less. Once the hearing is over, the Judge will then make a decision and send a letter notifying you of the Judge’s decision. It typically takes a couple of months after the hearing before the Decision is issued. 

If you win, SSA will then process your case and let you know how much money you will receive. If you lose, you have 60 days from the date of the Judge’s decision to appeal the case. Or it might be better to file a new claim. That decision depends on the facts of each case.

The Fourth Stage - Appeals Council:

If you lose your case in front of the Judge the next step is the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review the Judge’s Decision, the evidence, and any arguments you make, and decide if they agree or disagree with the Judge. This step typically takes about 8-10 months.