The Claim Process

The Claim Process

A claim may be filed at a local Social Security office or by telephone.  Although many applicants do not hire an attorney at this early stage, Mr. Allamian believes that properly developing the claim at this stage is crucial in receiving a quick favorable decision on a claim.

Once a claim for disability benefits is filed, the Social Security Administration sends the case to the Illinois Department of Disability Services in Springfield, to additional information and to make an initial determination on your claim. The claimant may be requested to be seen by an independent medical examiner so that the adjudicator has enough medical evidence to render a decision.

If the claim is denied, a Request for Reconsideration may be filed. The Reconsideration is sent back to the same State Agency, but given to a different Adjudicator. Many people hire an lawyer at this stage of the process.  Additional medical or vocational evidence must be timely submitted in order to receive a favorable reconsideration  If the Reconsideration is denied, a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may then be filed.

The hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is the most important stage in the claim process. Mr. Allamian does not believe that a claimant should participate in a hearing without being represented by an attorney.   In some cases, the ALJ may respond to written argument by the representative and approve the claim without a hearing. If a hearing is necessary, it will be conducted at a local hearing office. A vocational expert and/or medical advisor may be requested to testify at the hearing by the ALJ..

If the Administrative Law Judge denies the claim, in most States, a further review may be taken to the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council denies your Request for Review, the case may be appealed to the United States court system.

At all levels of the Social Security claim, the deadline for submitting an appeal is 60 days from the date the notice has been received. The Social Security Administration will assume that the notice was received within five days from the date appearing on the notice. An appeal may be accepted after 65 days from the denial date only if good cause is demonstrated.

Contact Attorney Andrew M. Allamian today to put his skills, experience and passion for fairness to work for you. No fee unless you recover.  

Andrew M. Allamian
1111 Plaza Drive  Suite 450
Schaumburg, IL 60173
1-800-319-6099

Located in Schaumburg and proudly serving the people of the
greater Chicago, Illinois area including the counties of Boone, Cook,
Kane, DeKalb, Dupage, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake,
McHenry, Will and Winnebago.