We have made changes to the disability process used to decide whether claimants are disabled under the law. In most cases, one trained staff member will review all the information in your file to determine if you are disabled.
Doctors are always available to consult with the trained staff who make the decisions.
If we cannot make a decision that is fully favorable to you, we will give you a chance to talk to the person who will decide your case before we make our decision. You will also be able to submit more information before a decision is made. We are changing how you can appeal our decision if you do not agree with it. If you do not agree with our decision, you may ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge. This will speed up the process if you decide to appeal our decision.