Mary Pat & others receiving, I looked at the migraine & disability links email I sent you all yesterday. I read intently their "hearings & appeals council, AC" detailed info.

SS claimed they handled their claims promptly at AC level. I told them they needed to put in there it takes 2.5 years BEFORE they even look at the claims; that's what happened to me.

Also, I stated, wished I would have copied my comments to word before sending this one, about trying to expedite my case when I got my late-stage lyme diagnosis. NO, they do NOT expedite anyone's case. Here are someone's comments to me today.

Apparently I didn't address to them that AC also failed to provide my lawyer or me after he quit me a COPY of my 2 hearing tapes OR they just didn't want to address that issue since my case was NOT looked at all since their was no LEGAL BRIEF sent by former lawyer.

Mary Pat, check into this NEW streamlined process for yourself.

Do any of you have your disability case sent to APPEALS COUNCIL; if yes, please call their 1-800 no. to see what you can find out about speeding up the process for you.

FYI, if AC denies you. Then you file for civil/federal court, and that takes another 3-5 years!! That's why I dropped my 1st claim.

Betty

^SSA Comments wrote:

Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2005 11:40:25 -0500

We are sorry to learn of your difficult circumstances and we share your concern about the delay in handling hearing requests.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the number of hearing requests across the country.

We have developed a redesigned claims process that will, over time, considerably reduce processing times.

In response to the urgency of the situation, we have also implemented initiatives to expedite the processing of disability claims in a way that will support our redesigned process and achieve significant short-term results.

These initiatives will reduce the number of cases pending in our hearing offices and the processing times for those that are pending.

If you have any further questions, you may call our toll-free number,
1-800-772-1213. Our representatives will be glad to help you.

If you prefer, you may contact your local Social Security Administration office. You can find information about your office at the following Internet address:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator