SSDI Process Level One

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) was created to provide disabled workers money to live on after they are no longer able to work. Sometimes SSDI benefits are short-term, while other recipients of these funds collect for the rest of their lives because their injury or illness is serious enough to prevent them from ever working again. SSDI law is complex, and people are often denied benefits on their first application because the paperwork is confusing, and one mistake can result in your claim being denied.

The experienced SSDI lawyers at The Cochran Firm have helped thousands of people all over the country get the compensation they deserve following a disabling accident, injury or sickness. If you have been injured or sick and can no longer work, we can help you, too.

As we have mentioned, the process of applying and receiving SSDI benefits is not an easy one. There are several steps involved, and each step must be followed to the letter in order to receive the benefits to which you are entitled.

Level One

Level One of the five SSDI level-process is the application for Social Security Disability Benefits. At this stage, you will be asked to complete the initial Social Security Disability application, and in many instances, you will have to fill out a detailed "Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire." At this first level, there is a massive amount of paperwork to be filled out. This is where experienced SSDI lawyers come in. We are extremely familiar with this paperwork and can fill it out for you to ensure completeness, that no errors are made and all deadlines are met.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a doctor must verify the medical information in your application and confirm that your disabling condition will last 12 months or longer. If you are vague in any way or if you exaggerate your symptoms, your claim will most likely be denied.

The initial disability determination in the first level of the process is made by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state. DDS will secure medical evidence and arrange for consultative examinations if there is not enough information to make a decision. The DDS employees will gather and evaluate your information to make a disability determination.

Level One of the SSDI process may take four to six months, on average. Sometimes DDS makes a determination in as little as three months, but this cannot be expected. Only 35% of initial SSDI applications are even approved.

The SSDI lawyers at The Cochran Firm will work tirelessly to make sure you are in that 35%. Please contact one of our Social Security disability law offices today to schedule your confidential consultation. We have offices in many states and probably have one near you with a local Social Security disability lawyer waiting to help you.