Chronic Pain Support Group

I think it's 30 days I'd try really hard to get it done

You only have 60 days to appeal and if you don't get it in on time and you refile, they can deny you quoting their previous decision. Do not wait any longer to get those papers in. Even if it just means turning in the request for reconsideration where you tell them why you disagree with the decision. Otherwise, you will have to show good cause as to why you turned it in late and not feeling well generally is not good enough. It will take about the same amount of time as the first claim. Then if you're denied you will have to request a hearing which can take anywhere from 11 months to 26 depending on where you live. So make sure you give them all the info you can on this so that you do not have to go to the next level. Good luck.

Also, yes if you don't get the appeal in, you lose your protective filing which gives you the right to collect back to the month after you filed for SSI if you are determined to have already been disabled by then. So do not let this time period pass. You will lose a lot!

I got the appeal in time. Im wondering about the paperwork that they send you to fill out for your appeal. How long will they wait for that?

That usually is 30 days as well. If you don't turn it in, I think they are supposed to send you a letter stating that you have 10 days to get in contact with them or they will have to close your claim. If you do not respond, then they deny the claim for lack of cooperation. How long ago did you recv the forms? How many forms do you have? The best thing to do is contact the office and explain the situation and advise them that you need a little help. They can schedule you an appt to have someone help you if necessary. But get it done asap and make sure you let Soc Sec know what's going on before they deny your claim due to your failure to provide requested information.

Just get those papers filled out and sent is as soon as possible. You don't have to fill them out yourself, have a friend or family member do it, you just need to give them the information to write down. Weather you or some body else fills in the blanks get it done and sent in ASAP.
Don't be surprised if the appeal is also turned down. I have been turned down three times already. If they turn you down again, get a lawyer. It will take time to get a court date, but without a lawyer on your side, the government will take advantage of you every time they get a chance.

I'm not sure if it differs by state, but I think I only had 30 days. You must get it done! You have a long wait after this stage. I waited almost a year for my ALJ hearing. You don't want to mess up and not file in time.

I had an attorney right from the start and was denied, then on appeal was given a hearing with a Judge (via video conference), start to finish it took 3 years from the time I started until I got my official award letter. The Judge did tell us at the time of the hearing that he was granting my request for disability but it was another 6 weeks before I had that all important award letter in my hand, and then a little longer for the check to come (but I did get retro pay from when I initially filed). As many of us here know it is a time consuming, frustrating mess, but you really can't procrastinate.
Good Luck to you.

I'm still waiting for my hearing my lawyer said it would take 24 mths. It has been 12 mths now. I have to file bankruptcy soon turn in my beautiful white mustang I can barely drive anyway. I got meningitis 2 mths ago $25,000.00 hospital bill. Lost my job and insurance in July no more disability pay from employer. Lawyer said he was gonna submit a letter for pay to start early before the hearing he says I'm guaranteed 100% to be approved. My PM doc has provided ampile proof in paperwork. The wait is awful. It's ridiculous we have to go through so much to get our own monies. Anybody know what happens to the back pay if we die before we get our 1st check??????