Ask us Anything.

One of the best ways for us to help others gain an understanding for the Social Security process is to answer their questions. We can post about everything under the sun, but if you’re wondering about something and don’t see an answer to it, just ask. So, we’ll leave Fridays open for questions and answers---please feel free to send them our way at anytime!

The question of the day is: ‘I was told that to go before an Administrative Judge it takes 12 to 18 months. Why does it take so long?”—Curtis

On the surface, this question seems like it could be pretty cut and dry in its response, “because the process itself is long, chances are it will take a long time.” But, that’s not what anyone wants to hear. The truth of the matter is, you’re not alone. You’re not alone in applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Therein, lies the problem. There are so many others, equally as disabled—and for different reasons, that the line figuratively grows before your very eyes. One amazing thing about Social Security is that they give everyone the chance to present their claim. The downside? Not everyone has a claim, or—at least, not everyone has a true disability, as defined under the law. But, much like those who are disabled, the ones who are not continue to fight for their rights also. The large amount of individuals applying for disability plays the largest role in a single person’s wait time.

Some disabilities are visible to the naked eye, and can be approved earlier in the application process. Others are not as easy to prove, such as Fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia can be a challenging case to prove before the Social Security Administration.  The disease is marked by long-term pain throughout the body, including the muscles, tender joints and soft tissue.  People with Fibromyalgia often feel extreme fatigue and pain - so much so that they cannot hold down a normal, competitive, five-day-a-week, eight-hour-a-day job. The causes of Fibromyalgia are not yet clearly understood, examiners are often times unable to classify these cases, and sometimes doubts are raised about its existence.  Therefore, we need time, as does the government, to build your case for you. The amount of time it takes to be scheduled for a hearing is often beneficial, as it allows us to continue to build your case while working with your doctors to obtain medical records and support of your disability.

We deal with the government aspect of your case, because we know how frustrating and long the process can be. If we could control the timeframe – we would. So, until then, we will do everything in our power to make sure your claim is moving along, as it should be. And when you do get scheduled for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, we will be ready.