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For Attorneys: The Phases Of An SSDI Claim

When you help a client apply for Social Security Disability (SSI), you both may begin what can become a very lengthy and complicated process. At the practice of James Ratchford Law, PLLC, we’ve laid out a step-by-step breakdown of all of the actions that you, as a qualified Social Security attorney, and your client will take to process a claim. As a diligent Social Security Disability Insurance attorney, you need to prepare for most of these steps and advocate at no cost until your client is granted benefits.

Firm intake/retention (insert before whichever phase the client comes in to the firm and before taking any other official action):

  1. Input client data to the case management system
  2. Prepare representation forms (SSA-1696 and fee agreement) and medical authorization documents (SSA-827, HIPAA release, source-specific authorization forms)
  3. Have client and attorney sign all forms.
  4. Submit representation forms. At IA, submit by mail or fax to the local office. At the hearing, submit by fax, mail or barcode to hearing office. At AC, submit by mail or fax to AC

Phase one: The initial application

  1. Prepare client to have the following information available: contact and identifying information; diagnosis and limitations causing disability; information on every marriage within the last 10 years; date disability began and/or work ended; contact information and treatment dates for all medical sources since AOD; list of medications identified by prescribing source and condition treating; recent medical tests by date and body part; wage and hour information for past five jobs; contact information of last five employers
  2. Complete SSD application online at SSA.gov using above information
  3. Advise client to complete and return forms sent by DDS. Assist client as necessary
  4. Prepare client for a consultative examination
  5. Reach out to a treating source for a functional capacity opinion
  6. Submit representation forms to local office
  7. Receive decision
  8. Advise client of the decision

Phase two: The hearing

  1. File request for a hearing
  2. Identify known medical sources
  3. Submit representation forms if not already done
  4. Verify receipt of appeal
  5. View and download initial exhibit file
  6. Review exhibit file
  7. Obtain a relevant treating source opinion
  8. Obtain updated records from supportive treating source
  9. Prepare and submit OTR if opinion and supporting records are sufficient
  10. Advise client to complete and return incidental forms sent by ODAR
  11. Wait for scheduling of hearing
  12. Communicate with the scheduling office to schedule hearing
  13. Advise client of scheduled hearing
  14. Update treatment information
  15. Obtain updated medical records, verifying the date range of records already received and submitted to avoid duplication
  16. Obtain updated medical opinion
  17. Review received medical records
  18. Submit received medical records
  19. Review opinions for support. If supportive, submit. If unsupportive, evaluate for next steps
  20. Prepare and submit five-day notice letter as relevant
  21. Prepare and submit brief as relevant
  22. Contact client to prepare for hearing testimony
  23. Attend hearing
  24. Debrief client
  25. Complete any required post-hearing follow up
  26. Await decision
  27. Check status report for case status
  28. If inordinately delayed, write to ODAR to expedite
  29. Download or receive decision
  30. Review decision
  31. If favorable, advise client and proceed as below. If unfavorable, proceed to next phase
  32. Call client and advise of favorable decision
  33. Submit SSA-1695 to local office
  34. Follow up on payment
  35. Deposit payment
  36. Send client completion of case letter
  37. Scan and shred paper file; archive electronic file

Phase three: Appeals Council appeals

  1. Review unfavorable decision to identify viable issues for appeal
  2. Call client and advise them of an unfavorable decision. Present options for appeal, withdrawal or new application with relevant recommendation
  3. If appeal is agreed to, prepare appeal letter or HA-501 form and mail to Appeals Council
  4. Follow up with AC/status report to confirm receipt of appeal and ERE access
  5. Download exhibit file
  6. Review the exhibit file
  7. Obtain updated supportive opinion or medical clarification as relevant
  8. Obtain updated medical documentation to the extent provably relevant
  9. Submit new material evidence, if any
  10. Submit written argument
  11. Await decision
  12. If remand is granted, return to step 5 of hearing level and proceed
  13. If denied, proceed to federal court or new application as appropriate

Phase four: Federal court appeals

  1. Review AC denial and ALJ denial. Identify viable legal arguments
  2. Advise client of appeal rights and option of new applications
  3. Prepare retainer paperwork, including fee waiver application
  4. Simultaneously start new SSD or SSI application
  5. File lawsuit with Federal District Court electronically within 60 days of Appeals Council denial (file complaint, retainer forms and $400 filing fee or fee waiver petition)
  6. Verify receipt of lawsuit by the court
  7. Prepare administrative record collaboratively with assigned U.S. attorney
  8. Await U.S. attorney’s answer to complaint and docket calendar from court
  9. Prepare legal arguments and case summary as a written brief (20-30 attorney hours)
  10. Submit brief before deadline
  11. Confirm receipt of brief with the court
  12. Confer with U.S. attorney to request voluntary remand
  13. Await U.S. attorney’s reply brief
  14. Prepare reply to U.S. attorney’s reply
  15. Await decision from magistrate judge
  16. Review court’s decision and order
  17. If claim is granted, file Petition for EAJA fees with fee assignment document
  18. If claim is granted, inform client and prepare for subsequent ALJ hearing. Return to Hearing steps above
  19. If denied, inform client and advise of next steps
  20. If appropriate, consider appeals to U.S. Court of Appeals. Note: This level of appeal is rarely pursued

Upon grant, regardless of level:

  1. Advise and congratulate the client
  2. File form SSA-1695 with the local SSA office
  3. If relevant, prepare and file fee petition
  4. Wait for payment
  5. If necessary, follow up on fee petition approval and/or payment
  6. Deposit check
  7. Submit withdrawal as representative to local office
  8. Sent client closeout letter
  9. Scan, shred, and archive file, returning to client any papers they desire
  10. Present to client a digital copy of the case file

Need More Education? Call Today

As an extensively experienced SSDI attorney in New York, I can help educate you on the stages of a Social Security disability claim. Contact me in Buffalo at +1-716-299-8683 or request an appointment via this convenient email.