The Social Security disability process is a five-step process. Once you put in the initial application it takes about four to six months to get an answer and there is a high denial rate of about 80% to 85%. If your request is denied, you then have 60 days to appeal and the application goes to the reconsidering level. This step is a four to six-month process with a 90% denial rate at that level. Once someone is denied at the reconsidering level, they can request a hearing.
This is where we see a lot of delays due to the closure of the Augusta office. Hearing delays can now run close to a 2 year wait. If someone is denied at the hearing level, they can request a review by the appeals counsel. The only way the appeals counsel or federal court is going to reverse a decision is if there is a substantial error of law or if evidence does not support the decision. This is why the entire process can take a couple of years.
Contact Our Augusta Georgia Disability Lawyers
Our attorneys Andrew Magruder and Les Wilkinson have a combined 55 years of disability experience in the Central Savannah River Area who help with Social Security disability claims in South Carolina and Georgia. We practice in the areas of Social Security disability, veterans disability claims, long term disability claims, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Claims.
Wilkinson & Magruder can help you navigate all stages of your disability claim. Do not do this alone. Our firm is located in Augusta at 1058 Claussen Road, Suite 108. For help with your disability claim, call us at 706.737.0591.