Where Do I Get Help With SSDI Benefits During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

With SSA office closures in effect since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, getting help with your social security disability claim may seem more difficult than ever. Many services can be accessed online, but what if you have questions about your benefits? Who can you talk to about the SSDI appeal process if your claim has been denied?

At Social Security Disability Advocates USA, we’re committed to remaining available to our clients through safe and secure avenues such as by phone, email, video, and when the time is right, in person. Find out more about how to get assistance with your claim, including applying for the first time, checking your application status, and appealing your case.

How Long Will Social Security Administration Field Offices Remain Closed?

The Social Security Administration has not yet released a reopening date for SSA field offices and hearing offices. Citing concern for older Americans and those with underlying medical conditions that may make them more susceptible to COVID-19, the SSA will likely remain closed until coronavirus transmission rates decline considerably. 

Which SSA Services Are Available Online and by Phone?

Fortunately, although physical offices remain closed to the public, SSA offers many services online or by telephone. Online services include:

For services that can be accessed via telephone, call the agency’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Please be advised that wait times will likely be longer than usual and that hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Automated telephone services are available 24/7 for certain services. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ for more information, including resources for those who are visually impaired, hard of hearing, or require a translator.

How Does the SSDI Appeal Process Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

If you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance and had your claim denied, you’re not alone. In fact, most first-time SSDI applications are denied, often due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence of your disability. This is where the SSDI appeal process comes in.

There are four levels of disability appeals, including reconsideration, hearings, review by the Appeals Council and, should these fail, filing a lawsuit in federal court. 

Appealing a disability denial can be a long and arduous process, especially now that hearing offices are closed due to the pandemic. Claimants may face longer wait times and remote telephone hearings instead of in-person appeals. You may also have a more difficult time accessing the medical records and other documents you need to prove your case and meet strict deadlines.

How Can a Social Security Disability Representative Help?

Even under the best of circumstances, applying for benefits or traversing the SSDI appeal process can be complex and lengthy. When you contact a SSDI attorney at Social Security Disability Advocates, you’ll have access to an experienced professional with the specific knowledge you need to resolve your case as quickly and favorably as possible.

We’ll assist you every step of the way, from requesting and gathering all the necessary documentation to arranging and representing you in a video hearing to appeal the decision on your case. Even during the pandemic, our office remains committed to serving our most vulnerable populations in need. We will do whatever we can to accommodate you, including offering a free consultation via phone or video to discuss your case.

Call us today at 602-952-3200. You can also get in touch with us via LiveChat, or by submitting the details of your case using our secure contact form. 

For more information, check out the ultimate disability secrets you need to know before filing your claim.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.