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May 14, 2025 32 mins

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Welcome to Season 1, Episode 17 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "What the Social Security Administration Does With the Initial Application."

Join host Nancy L. Cavey, an experienced disability attorney, as she unpacks one of the most important - and misunderstood - parts of the Social Security Disability process: what really happens after you file your application. Whether you applied online, by phone, in person, or with an attorney’s help, your claim enters a complex review system most applicants never see. In this episode, she walks you through how your application moves from the local SSA office to Disability Determination Services (DDS), where the medical decision is made. You’ll learn what DDS looks for, how they gather records, and why most initial claims are denied - even when the disability seems clear. She also explains consultative exams, electronic record retrieval, and how COVID continues to affect the process. If your claim status says “under review” and you’re not sure what that means, this episode offers the clarity you need. Let’s get into it - because understanding the system is key to a successful claim.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

1 -  What Does the Social Security Administration Do With My Initial Application for Social Security Disability?

2 - What Every Social Security Disability Applicant Needs to Know About the Social Security Administration’s Electronic Record Retrieval System

3 - Why You Should Not Speak With the Social Security Administration Claim Adjudicator Assigned to Your Social Security Disability Claim

4 - How to Keep Updated on the Status of Your Social Security Disability Application

5 - The Three Common Mistakes You Can Make in Your Social Security Disability Claim While Your Claim Is Pending

6 - What Does “Benefit Application Under Review” Mean When You Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Application?

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

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