Waiting to get a hearing for your Social Security Disability benefits can be frustrating. The current wait time for a Social Security Disability hearing in any of the four North Carolina offices is at least 18 months. This is a long time to wait for disability benefits when you cannot work. You may then be wondering if there is anything you can do to help get your social security disability hearing scheduled faster.
During the waiting time of at least 18 months, an attorney will continue to build the case based on the medical evidence for a claimant. The best steps to take during this time are to continue treating with doctors and work toward getting supportive records and statements from your physicians.
The good news is there are some things you can do that may help get a hearing scheduled faster. One step is a “Congressional Inquiry.” One way to possibly expedite the process is to contact the office of your local congressman or senator. This inquiry would involve a congressional staff member calling or writing the Social Security office on your behalf. Although there are no guaranteed results, it can’t hurt your case, and it could get your hearing scheduled in six months rather than a year or two.
Social Security Does Not Guarantee That You Will Receive Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not guarantee that you will receive benefits. This means there is no legal requirement that SSA pays out disability benefits to anyone who applies.
However, the SSA does require claimants to prove that they meet specific requirements. These include establishing that you cannot work because of a medical condition and proving that you have been disabled since you cannot work.
If you believe you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you may want to contact a qualified attorney to help you prepare your case. An experienced lawyer can ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria to be eligible for benefits.
An experienced lawyer can also help you understand the process of receiving Social Security disability benefits. They may be able to help you schedule your hearing faster than you would otherwise be able to.