Why Is My Disability Claim Still Pending at the Anderson SSA Office?

Your disability claim may still be pending at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Anderson, SC, because South Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS) is reviewing your medical records, additional evidence may be required, a consultative examination (CE) may be needed, or processing delays are affecting case timelines.

Meet with an Anderson Social Security Disability applications lawyer if months have passed and your disability application is still pending in the SSA system. Your attorney can review your claim and find out why there may be a processing delay.

Generally, the initial application phase for a disability claim takes months. However, depending on the complexity of your claim and other factors, a year or longer could elapse before DDS makes a claim decision.

During the waiting period, your attorney can help you track your claim’s status and give you insights on what to do while your claim is still in process.

What Can Cause My Disability Claim to Still Be Pending at the Anderson SSA Office?

Even if you believe that you have provided sufficient information to the SSA for your disability claim, a long time could pass before you receive a decision on it. Some of the reasons why your disability claim may remain in pending status at the Anderson SSA office include:

• Missing medical evidence: DDS relies on medical evidence to decide your claim. If your doctors are slow to send your medical files, this can delay the claims process.
• Consultative examinations: If your medical file is incomplete or contradictory, DDS may schedule a CE with a medical provider. As such, your disability consultative exam can add weeks to the timeline for processing your claim.
• Application backlogs: High application volumes and resource or staffing constraints may extend your claim’s timeline.

Your Social Security Disability lawyer wants to remove the guesswork from the claims process. They can help you establish realistic expectations for what happens when you file your disability claim. Plus, they will remain accessible to you as you await your claim decision and are prepared to address any legal concerns or questions you have along the way.

How Will My Disability Claim at the Anderson, South Carolina, Social Security Administration Office Get Approved?

When it comes to getting approved for disability benefits, it’s important to note that South Carolina DDS, and not the SSA office in Anderson, will decide your claim. Ultimately, if you file a claim with the SSA office at 4 Civic Center Blvd Ext., staff will determine if your claim meets the agency’s non-medical requirements. If it does, your claim will move to DDS.

DDS will evaluate your claim and request medical records from the doctors and hospitals that you listed. It could also ask you to undergo a consultative examination if your medical records are incomplete or insufficient. This exam will be completed by an independent doctor, and you won’t have to pay for it.

After DDS decides your claim, the local SSA field office will handle final processing. The office will send you a written notice of your claim decision in the mail. At this time, you’ll know whether your claim has been approved. If your claim has been denied, you typically have the option to appeal within 60 days of receipt of your denial letter.

Should You Hire a Lawyer if Your Disability Claim Continues to Be in Pending Status at the Anderson SSA Office?

Yes, you should hire a lawyer if your disability claim is in pending status at the Anderson SSA office and you’re concerned about whether it will be approved in the near future. Your attorney may help you with your claim in several ways, such as:

• Assisting with calls, document requests, and status inquiries with the Anderson SSA office
• Finding out what medical records may be needed to advance your claim
• Collecting and submitting medical evidence

Unfortunately, your disability claim may be pending at the Anderson SSA office for an extended period and still be denied. In this situation, your lawyer may help you file an appeal, secure a hearing date, and build a case to help prove that your claim is valid.

The Bottom Line on Why Your Disability Claim May Still Be Pending at Anderson’s SSA Office

It can be frustrating for a disability claim to stay in pending status at the Anderson SSA office, with minimal status updates available. Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with the waiting period alone. Get a Social Security Disability attorney on your side, and you may get the help you need to expedite your claim.

Pilzer Klein has helped thousands of clients, including those who have had to wait a long time for getting a Social Security Disability claim approved.

Our sole focus is Social Security Disability law, and we can use what we know to assist you while your claim may still be pending at the Anderson SSA office.

We believe in personal attention, dignity, and respect. If you want legal guidance and support as you await a decision on your Social Security Disability claim, we are here for you. For more information, schedule a free consultation.