How to Speed Up Social Security Disability Benefits

The SSA will retro-pay benefits for the first six months of your disability.

If you're suffering from a long-term disability, it's not easy -- or even possible, sometimes -- to make ends meet while you're waiting for approval for Social Security Disability benefits. Whether you're starting out your application or waiting for the results of an appeal, it often takes three months or more to receive a letter of decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Instructions

1. If you haven't applied yet, gather as much information as you can regarding your disability. Have your personal information on hand, as well as the names and addresses of doctors and hospitals that have helped treat your condition. You will also need the names and dosages of medications you take, medical records from all procedures and hospital stays, laboratory and test results, and work information.

2. Apply for disability online as soon as you become disabled. Not only is it faster than making an appointment at your local Social Security office, but you can save your application and return to it later if you don't have all the necessary information.

3. Call Social Security's toll free number, 800-772-1213, if you have questions while you're filling out your application. They are there to help -- and the clearer you are on what you need to do while applying, the faster the SSA will make a decision.

4. Hire a lawyer to help, if you don't mind the cost (usually 25 percent of the back benefits of a won case). The National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives is a good place to start, since it specializes in Social Security cases. Call the organization at 800-431-2804.

5. As a last resort, ask your congressional representative to help you speed up the process. Your local congressional office has staff members who understand Social Security and can often get the ball rolling for you again.

6. See if you qualify for other aid in the meantime. Supplementary Security Income (SSI) is available to disabled and low-income individuals who fall under an income cap. Call your local Social Security Office (find it using the tool in "Resources") to apply for SSI if you think you might qualify.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest when you're filling out your application. Leaving out information about mental illnesses, felonies, crime convictions or other conditions that might embarrass you will only slow down the process.

References

• Social Security Online: Disability Benefits
• NOSSCR: Disability FAQs