SSDI application timeline - SSA asking for medical info with only 4 days to respond - normal?

This is actually pretty standard for SSA, though the 4-day timeframe is on the shorter end. What they're asking for is supplemental medical evidence for her SSDI claim. It's a good sign - it means they're actively working on her case rather than letting it sit. I'd recommend she call them ASAP with whatever information she has on hand. Even if she can't gather everything in 4 days, calling to provide what she has and explaining she needs more time is better than missing the deadline entirely. They can sometimes extend it if you communicate with them. Regarding an attorney - many people successfully navigate SSDI without one at this stage. If she gets denied initially (which happens to about 65% of applicants), that would be the ideal time to get representation for the reconsideration and appeal process. SSDI attorneys work on contingency - they typically take 25% of backpay up to a maximum of $7,000 if she wins. They don't get paid if she doesn't get approved.

They ALWAYS do this!! Give you barely any time to respond and then take MONTHS to make decisions. So frustrating! When I applied last year, they gave me 5 days to submit additional info. I panicked and called them 8 times before finally getting through. Make sure she calls EXACTLY when they open (check the office hours) because if she waits until afternoon, she probably won't get through. And yes, they'll just want the contact info for doctors - they request the actual records themselves. But if she already has copies of medical records, she should mention that during the call! Good luck - the SSDI process is a NIGHTMARE of waiting and random urgent requests followed by more waiting.

I'm an SSDI advocate, and I want to clarify a few things: 1. This is a standard request called a "Consultative Exam Development Request" - they're gathering info to determine if they need more medical evidence. The 4-day timeframe is unusually short but not unheard of. 2. During this call, they'll ask for: - Names, addresses & phone numbers of all treating doctors - Dates of treatment/appointments (approximate is fine) - Hospital visits and procedures with dates - Current medications - Any changes in condition since filing 3. About attorneys: While many people successfully navigate the initial application without one, having representation from the beginning can improve approval chances. The benefit of waiting is saving money if approved initially, but the risk is potentially missing important details. 4. For finding a good attorney: Look for one who specializes exclusively in Social Security Disability, has at least 5+ years experience, and offers a free consultation. Your state bar association or local disability advocacy groups can provide referrals. 5. Fee structure: It's regulated by SSA - typically 25% of backpay up to $7,000 maximum. No upfront costs and no fee if no approval.

@profile7 That's a common misconception. Many attorneys are willing to take cases at the initial application stage, though some prefer to wait until reconsideration or hearing levels where their expertise adds more value. In my experience, having representation from the beginning can be beneficial because: 1. They ensure the application emphasizes the right medical details that align with SSA's disability criteria 2. They can help gather and submit medical evidence in the most favorable light 3. They can spot potential issues early and address them proactively 4. They understand how to frame the case in terms of the Social Security Blue Book listings Since the fee is capped at $7,000 regardless of when they take the case, some attorneys prefer later stages where less work might be needed for the same maximum fee. But many will take initial applications, especially for severe conditions with strong medical evidence.

hey my brothers wife went thru this exact thing last summer!! the 4 day thing is super normal, theyre just trying to keep cases moving. she should just call asap and give whatever info she has. it's not the end of the world if she doesn't remember every single date perfectly they just want a general idea. my SIL forgot some doctors and called back the next day to add them and it was fine. also fyi if she misses this deadline they don't automatically deny her! they'll likely just send another letter or try calling her. the SSA moves slooooow trust me lol

I was denied TWICE before getting approved!!! 4 days is RIDICULOUS!!! This is how they try to DENY people by making impossible deadlines!!!! I had to call at 7:30am for THREE DAYS IN A ROW just to get through to a human!! The whole system is DESIGNED to wear you down until you give up!!! TELL HER TO GET AN ATTORNEY NOW!!!! I didn't get one until my second denial and I REGRET IT! They know exactly what medical info to focus on and what the SSA is looking for. The free consultations are WORTH IT!

When I was struggling to reach someone at Social Security for my disability review last year, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an SSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. It saved me so much stress during an already stressful time. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Given the short 4-day deadline your daughter-in-law is facing, it might be worth checking out if she has trouble getting through on the phone. I know how frustrating it can be trying to reach SSA, especially when there's time pressure involved.

To answer your question about deadline extensions - yes, they can and often do extend deadlines when you communicate with them. The key is to call before the deadline passes and explain the situation. When she calls, she should: 1. Have as much information ready as possible 2. Be clear about what she has and what she still needs to gather 3. Ask politely for a specific amount of additional time (1-2 weeks is reasonable) 4. Get the name of the representative she speaks with 5. Take detailed notes about the conversation The SSA generally understands that gathering complete medical information takes time, especially for complex conditions. They're much more likely to work with claimants who communicate proactively rather than those who miss deadlines without explanation.

Update: She called SSA this morning right when they opened (thank you all for that tip!) and was able to get through after about a 20-minute wait. The representative was actually very understanding and said the 4-day timeframe is just their standard language, but they'd be happy to give her more time to gather complete information. She provided the contact details for her primary doctors and specialists, and they're giving her until next Friday to submit any additional information she remembers. The rep also explained they'll be contacting her doctors directly for the actual medical records. Thank you all for the advice and reassurance! We're still considering whether to get an attorney at this stage. She has very clear medical evidence of her disability, but I've heard the process can be complicated regardless.

Great update! One thing I learned the hard way: keep a disability journal!!! Write down EVERY doctor visit, medication change, bad day, symptom flare, etc. It helps SO MUCH when they ask for these random details months later. I got denied partly because I couldn't remember exact dates of certain procedures and treatments, and the SSA claimed that meant I wasn't receiving "regular treatment" (even though I was!). Also - has she listed ALL her conditions on her application? My biggest mistake was only listing my main condition but not including my secondary conditions that also affect my ability to work.