I applied for SSDI in March, 2006 and I have not heard anything.  Should I call the office or just wait.  I don’t have a lawyer yet – this was my first time applying.
–Brenda

Jonathan Ginsberg responds:  Brenda, you did not say if you applied online or over the phone, but either way you should have received some acknowledgement from Social Security that your claim has been received and is being processed.  If you have heard absolutely nothing at all, I would definitely follow up both by phone (800-772-1213) and in writing to your local Social Security office.  Send your correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested. 

If, however, your claim was acknowledged, but you just have not received a decision, then I would be less worried as initial application reviews often take six months or longer.  I see nothing wrong with calling Social Security to ask about the status of your case – although do not expect that your call will speed up the process.

With regard to getting a lawyer involved, I would certainly wait until you receive your initial denial notice.  Many people choose to retain counsel to file the reconsideration appeal, although some give recon a shot on their own and wait until the recon denial before hiring a lawyer.   If you choose to proceed on your own, take a look at my Disability Answer Guide book.  If you are more inclined to get a lawyer, I have set up a disability case review form where you can get your case reviewed by me or by one of the lawyers on my panel.

[tags] initial application, SSDI claim, request for reconsideration, initial denial, Disability Answer Guide [/tags]