The Social Security Disability Claims Process

When applying for Social Security Disability in Long Beach, hire attorneys who understand the process. Our Social Security Disability attorneys know how to navigate each step of the Social Security Disability process. We can successfully guide you through the complex procedures that are associated with each stage of a Social Security Disability claim.

A Five-Step Process

There are five potential stages in the Social Security Disability claims process:

  1. Initial Application
  2. Reconsideration
  3. Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ")
  4. Appeals Council
  5. Federal Court

Stage One: Initial Application
Once you have submitted your application, the Social Security Administration will gather evidence regarding your condition. This stage generally takes a few months to a year.

Stage Two: Reconsideration
If you are denied at the initial application stage, you must request reconsideration within 60 days. During the reconsideration stage, the Social Security Administration and your attorney continue to gather evidence regarding your condition. A decision is usually made at the reconsideration stage within one year from the denial of your initial application.

Stage Three: Hearing
If you are denied at the reconsideration level, you must request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge within 60 days. It takes 12 to 18 months from your reconsideration denial to get a hearing. Once the Administrative Law Judge concludes the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge issues a written decision in about 90 days.

Stage Four: Appeals Council
If an Administrative Law Judge denies your case, you have 60 days to ask the Appeals Council to review the Administrative Law Judge's unfavorable decision. The Appeals Council time frame for making its decision varies from months to years.

Stage Five: Federal Court
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council, you can then file a lawsuit in a United States District Court. A Federal judge will review the Administrative Law Judge's denial.

A licensed and experienced attorney will represent you at every stage of the Social Security Disability claims process. Our firm uses only knowledgeable attorneys to advise you regarding your legal rights - a factor that sets us apart from our competition.

Contact A Long Beach Disability Attorney

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from our firm, please call (800) 459-3017. There is never a fee for representation unless we win your case.