HOW MANY STEPS IN THE DISABILITY PROCESS?

By now, you know that it's not as simple as completing an application and waiting or your check to arrive in the mail.

But how many steps are there in the Social Security disability process?

It varies from person to person.  But the majority of claimants will take the following journey in the struggle to get Social Security disability.

1.  Complete all the application forms, including

• Application
• Disability Report
• Function Report
• Work History Report
• Other questionnaires, as requested

2.  File a Request for Reconsideration if denied.  98 percent of these will also be denied.

3.  File a Request for Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge.

4.  Attend a hearing

Based on Alabama averages, about 45 percent of claimants will be awarded benefits at the hearing level.  Those who are denied at the hearing will file an appeal with the Appeals Council, where the chance of getting a favorable response is less than 15 percent.

No wonder there is a huge legal industry involved in trying to help claimants get what they deserve--a Social Security disability check.