Initial Applications For Minnesota Disability Benefits

Generally speaking, attorneys do not begin representation at the time of the Initial Application. There may be certain circumstances where it may be warranted. Some individuals need representation at the initial level because their impairments prevent them from being physically or mentally able to follow through with responding to the Social Security Administration in a timely manner. More and more clients are requesting representation at the initial application stage for this reason. Your local Social Security Office will take your Application for Disability Benefits in person, by phone or you can complete the Application online. The Social Security Administration will order all of your medical records and a Disability Examiner who will make the initial determination will review those records. The majority of the Applications will be denied at this level. You have 60 days to Appeal for Reconsideration. Another Disability Examiner will review your file and make another determination. Again, the majority of the cases are denied on Reconsideration. You have another 60 days to file A Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the level where you should obtain representation. At this point your medical records should be updated and your case should be further evaluated to obtain further evidence of disability. Once a hearing is requested, it will take approximately 18 months to have your hearing. However, the Social Security Administration has been taking some aggressive steps to shorten this time period.