Our experienced Client Advocacy team excels at building the strongest possible case for your SSDI benefits, potentially saving you months or years of additional stress through early awards.
The Social Security Disability application process can be long and complicated, but don’t feel overwhelmed! When you work with Advocator Advantage, our team of experienced Client Advocates is here to help you every step of the way. From gathering necessary information and filing the initial application to navigating potential denials and appeals, our advocates guide you through every step of the SSDI application process.
Initial Level
Most people we represent receive their award during this phase.
Here is where the experience of our team of Client Advocates really shines! An early award can save months or years of additional stress. Here is how we help to build you the strongest possible case:
A mandatory step with a historically low approval rate.
The first level of appeal in the SSDI application process is the Request for Reconsideration.
If your initial SSDI claim is denied, we have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to file a Request for Reconsideration with the SSA. This will send your claim back through a technical review by your local SSA office and a medical review by your local DDS agency.
Our team of Client Advocates will provide the DDS reviewers with your updated medical records and any changes to your health condition to help with this medical review. Your Client Advocates will also help you satisfy requests for additional information and/or Consultative Exam (CE) requirements.
Claims that reach this level are more likely to be awarded.
In most instances, the second level of appeal in the SSDI process is the Request for Hearing.
If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, we have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to file a Request for Hearing. This level involves additional technical processing by your local SSA office and a medical determination by your local Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
When your claim is reviewed at your local ODAR, you will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and a hearing date will be assigned. The average processing time at this level is 12 to 18 months. During this time, your team of Client Advocates will prepare you for your hearing and will check in with you regularly to keep you updated on the status of your claim.
If your case needs to be presented in front of an ALJ at the hearing level, we will provide you with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney who will offer compelling evidence as to how your disabling medical condition impacts your ability to work. After your hearing is complete, it will take additional time for the ODAR to process and mail your decision to you.
The Appeals Council reviews your claim to determine the next step.
In most instances, the third level of appeal in the SSDI application process is the Request for Appeals Council Review. This Appeals Council is responsible for determining whether your claim was properly adjudicated by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who reviewed your case.
The outcomes of the Appeals Council are usually one of the following:
If your case advances to this stage in the Social Security disability application process, your team of Client Advocates will advise you on the next steps and discuss any assistance we may be able to provide.
We’ll still be here to answer any questions and help you in any way we can.
When you are awarded Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, there are typically two parts to this award:
Your team of experienced Client Advocates at The Advocator Group will help you receive payment, understand the details of your award, discuss what to do next and ensure that you are prepared for your Medicare entitlement.
We take pride in helping our clients obtain early awards, which means that you likely won’t need to go through every step in the Social Security disability application process in order to receive your benefits.
Want help with your SSDI application denial? Even if you started the application process on your own or with a different advocate, we can help.
What is Supplemental Security Income? Should I apply for that too?
Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a welfare program. SSI is a Federal income supplement program that is funded not by Social Security taxes but by general tax revenues. The program is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals who have little or no income and provides cash benefits to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. If you have limited income and resources, you should also consider applying for SSI.
Will SSDI benefits also help me obtain health insurance coverage?
Yes. You will become entitled to health insurance through Medicare 24 months after the date that SSA determines that you first became eligible for SSDI cash benefits. When you become eligible for Medicare, Aevo Insurance Services, a subsidiary of Advocator Advantage, can assist you with your health plan selection and enrollment process.
If I am awarded SSDI benefits, how long will I continue to receive them?
You will continue to receive SSDI benefits as long as you continue to meet SSA’s definition of disability. SSA may find that you are no longer disabled due to medical improvement or if you return to work at a Substantial Gainful Activity level.
You are required to inform Advocator Advantage and/or SSA of changes in your work status or if your health improves. This is necessary to avoid incurring an overpayment to SSA.
How much will it cost to have Advocator Advantage help me?
Our fees are statutorily capped by SSA. Generally, we receive a percentage of your retroactive, lump-sum award, up to a maximum amount established by SSA. There are no hidden fees or costs associated with our services. We only earn a fee if we help you obtain an award, so you can be sure that we are working as hard as we can to get your claim approved.
How long will it take for SSA to process my application?
Unfortunately, the process of applying for and being awarded SSDI benefits can be extremely long. Depending on the number of appeals needed to get your case awarded, the process can take anywhere from six months to three or four years.
How long will it take to get my first check after I am awarded?
It can take up to 60 days to receive your first check after you have been awarded. Processing time is generally faster at the initial claim and reconsideration levels, while it tends to take longer for clients who are awarded at the hearing level.
SSA can delay the processing of a claim for many different reasons and will not release any benefits until all necessary documentation is in order. This may include a copy of your birth certificate, citizenship papers, representation payee documents, or proof of other public payments such as state disability or workers’ compensation. We will help you provide these documents to SSA in a timely fashion to avoid unnecessary delays in processing your monthly payments
When will my monthly benefits begin?
If your application is approved, your first SSDI monthly benefit will be paid for the sixth full month after the date that SSA determined that you became disabled (Disability Onset Date). For example, if SSA finds that your disability began on June 15, 2021, your first monthly benefit would be paid for the month of December 2021. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they come due, so the benefit due for December would actually be paid to you in January.
How will my benefits be calculated, i.e., how much will I get?
The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security and is reduced if you receive other government benefits, such as workers’ compensation – including Black Lung payments – or public disability benefits.
Can I receive SSDI benefits for my dependent children?
Yes. Children up to 18, or those who have not graduated from high school, may be entitled to benefits if you become disabled. Generally, dependent children receive 50% of the amount of your monthly SSDI benefit, which is divided equally among all eligible dependents.
I am receiving long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits. Will I automatically qualify for SSDI benefits?
No. Receipt of private LTD benefits does not impact your claim for SSDI benefits. Likewise, if at some point your LTD benefits are terminated, the fact that you no longer receive LTD benefits would not have a negative impact on your SSDI claim.
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Even if you started the application process on your own or with a different advocate, we can help.
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