Many Social Security disability (SSD) applications take months, sometimes years, to process. While you’ll receive backdated benefits if approved, that doesn’t help with current bills and medical needs. The good news? The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes these hardships and offers a “dire need cases” designation for urgent cases.
What ares Dire Needs Cases?
The SSA considers your case “dire need” if you face one or more of these challenges:
- Food insecurity: You lack food or the means to obtain it.
- Lack of medical care: You can’t afford or access necessary medical treatment or medications.
- Housing instability: You’re facing eviction or utility shut-off.
How Can We Help Get You the Support You Deserve?
Our experienced advocates know how to present evidence that highlights the urgency of your situation and get your claim flagged for faster processing. Here’s what we can do:
Gather and present evidence: We’ll collect documentation like doctor’s notes, eviction notices, and utility bills to support your dire need claim.
Navigate the application process: We’ll guide you through filing or appealing your SSD application.
Communicate with the SSA: We’ll handle all communication with the SSA on your behalf, ensuring your voice is heard.
The Effect of Dire Need Classification on a Disability Case
The “critical” designation makes a case higher priority than other work, meaning that the claim may be processed more quickly. The exact impact this priority has on the timeline will depend on a variety of factors, including the stage of the process. There are other ways your attorney can assist you in moving the process forward more quickly, including the assembly of information SSA would otherwise have to gather independently. When we work with a client in need, we employ every means available to move the case forward quickly.
If You’re in Dire Need, Get Help
We know that the Social Security disability application process can be daunting, even under the best of circumstances. When you’re having trouble making ends meet or getting the medical care you need, it can be all the more difficult to stay the course. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Facing a difficult situation? We’re here for you. Contact us today!