There are a few ways that you can expedite your Social Security Disability claim. The three situations listed below can usually result in an accelerated claim:

• Dire needs

• Terminal illness

• Presumptive cases

Dire Needs:

Dire needs cases mean that waiting for a decision could actually cause harm to the applicant. Here are some instances that qualify as dire need:

• The applicant is homeless

• The applicant's home is in foreclosure

• Worsening medical condition of the applicant because of lack of care

Terminal Illness:

Social Security will expedite a claim if an applicant suffers from a terminal illness (i.e., the applicant is expected to live less than one year). Here again the proper court documents need to be filed with the Social Security Administration for the claim to be expedited.

Presumptive Cases:

Social Security actually houses a list of presumptive disability cases. These cases are of such seriousness that they will almost certainly result in awarding disability benefits. The problem is that these cases are not granted often and usually involve an individual who is terminal and has the medical documentation to prove it. You should have a disability attorney help you determine if your case can be considered a presumptive one.

To expedite your claim you also need the proper identification, including birth certificate, Social Security card, and driver's license. Try to list all your employers going back fifteen years. Document the date that you stopped working and/or the date your job changed because of your impairment. Note any special working conditions that your employer had to implement in order to keep you working. Write down all your medical sources with names, numbers and addresses. You will also need any doctor's notes with dates for restricted activities.

In addition, you should ensure that you complete and send back all proper documentation. The faster you send back the paperwork the faster it can be assessed. Make sure you ask questions and call the Social Security office at which you applied in order to keep track of your claim. Another step in getting your disability benefits could be answering questions about your daily activities. These questions, though tedious, could really speed up your claim. You should answer these questions with examples and explanations rather than just one word answers.