How long does the social security appeals process take in Alabama?

In Alabama’s region it takes an average of 15 months for an Administrative Law Judge to become available to hear a claim.

Wait times are dependent on the workload in a geographic area and the amount of staff available to handle the number of claims. Some judges have a caseload of more than 300 cases! Alabama’s 15-month wait is long, but it’s not the longest: claimants in the New York area may have to wait as much as two years.

Is there any way to shorten the process?

Yes.  You may submit a “dire need” letter to the Social Security Administration explaining why you are in need of an expedited hearing. This letter will outline why waiting on a hearing will have severe consequences for you. The most common reason for a dire need letter is financial hardship. Lack of income might render you unable to afford necessary treatment or medication, you might be facing foreclosure, or for some other reason you and your family cannot afford to wait your turn.

Writing a dire need letter is not guaranteed to be effective but it is the only way to make the process move faster. An experienced disability attorney can help you prepare a dire need letter.  Call us today at 205-553-5353 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Albert G. Lewis IV