There can be several steps in the Social Security disability process, depending on whether your application is initially accepted or denied. The first step is the initial application process, and you can apply in person by meeting with a counselor, online at the Social Security website, or by scheduling an appointment at 1-800-772-1213 to provide the application information over the phone.
After you have initially applied, Social Security will take approximately six months to make an initial determination. If denied, you must submit forms within sixty days of notice indicating you are requesting reconsideration, and it usually takes an additional four months to be reconsidered. We would provide additional medical documentation when requesting reconsideration.
If you are denied again, you have sixty days to request a hearing with an administrative law judge. Based on the current backlog in New Jersey, this process can take almost a year. If you are denied again at the administrative hearing, you can request an appeal with the Appeals Council, which takes an additional year. If you are still denied at the Appeals Council, you can then take it to federal court.
To learn more about disability law, I encourage you to watch the video above and to explore our educational website at https://www.szaferman.com. If you have legal questions, I want you to call me at (609) 403-3138. I welcome your call.
