Disability F.A.Q.’s

Welcome to our disabilty FAQ section. Whether you’re seeking information about rights, accessibility, or inclusive practices, our goal is to address common queries and offer guidance. As dedicated disability advocates, Golson, McCracken Inc. understands the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering an inclusive society. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us– we’re here to assist you on your journey towards a more accessible world.

What if I have no income while I am waiting for my hearing?

As a claimant you can request an expedited Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, based upon a “dire need” such as a present or impending lack of food, shelter, medical treatment and prescriptions. However, such “dire needs” requests are not often granted.

How long is the wait for a disability hearing?

Filing a request for a hearing is possible only after a claim has faced denial at both the initial and reconsideration levels. Following the submission of the hearing request, the waiting period for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing date can range from 8 to 15 months.

When will I receive the ALJ’s decision following the hearing?

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may verbally express the intent to award benefits at the hearing’s conclusion, although this occurrence is infrequent. Conversely, some exceptionally busy or inefficient ALJs may take several months to reach a decision. In a usual scenario, the ALJ’s decision is typically written, reviewed, and mailed within approximately 30 – 60 days after the hearing. If the decision is favorable, benefits usually commence around 30 days from the date of receiving the favorable award letter.

What information should medical reports include?

Each set of medical records should encompass a claimant’s comprehensive medical history, clinical findings (including results from physical or mental status examinations), laboratory findings (such as blood pressure and x-rays), a diagnosis of the claimant’s impairment(s), details about prescribed treatments, responses to treatments, prognosis, and a statement addressing how the claimant’s impairment(s) impact their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

What is Golson, McCracken Inc.’s success rate?

Determining an overall “success rate” is challenging with a single number due to the unique nature of each case. For instance, a 59-year-old individual with well-documented congestive heart failure and a background as a construction worker may have a probability exceeding 90% for approval. Conversely, a 25-year-old with undocumented yet severe mental health issues might face a 50% chance. The likelihood of approval hinges on the specific details of your case.

While we believe in our industry-leading success rate, it’s challenging to substantiate since advocates typically don’t disclose their success rates. What we can assert with confidence is our unwavering commitment to doing everything within our capacity to secure approval for every claim. Providing personalized attention to each client, we approach every case with the dedication to position it for success. At Golson, McCracken Inc., we consider every client as part of our family and tirelessly strive for victory in every instance.

How detailed can these consultative examinations be?

It is common that a consultative examination often appears brief, at least from the claimant’s perspective, and seldom offers an in-depth analysis of the claimant’s medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, and eventual prognosis.

When should I apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Apply as soon as you and your doctors agree that your disability is going to last a full year. You are not eligible for SSDI if your condition does not last a full year, so many people have to wait for a while to see what happens with their medical conditions. Others, who have been struggling to work in spite of their disability and know the condition is not going away, should apply as soon as they stop working.

Is there anything I can do to expedite my request for a hearing?

During the ALJ stage, a claimant has the option to request an “on-the-record” decision, seeking to expedite the hearing process. This is typically done when a claimant possesses recent and robust medical records, providing substantial evidence of disability.