My atty. told me court cases were being heard 400 days backlogged. I just received a letter from them telling me I would have 20 days notice of a hearing. My atty. just sent me 8 forms to sign for a release of medical records. I thought all that would happen as the hearing got closer. Does this mean that my hearing would be sooner? Or, is it just the usual red tape that people go through? Just wondering what experience everyone had after they signed the request for a hearing.

My atty told me it was a 20 month wait to see the ALJ, I did recieve a letter like yours stating I would be notified a few weeks prior to my hearing. I also signed all medical release forms at the atty office. But it actually took 26 months before my ALJ hearing, then took close to 100 days to hear the decision was "fully favorable". I have read some people never have to go to the ALJ, they got approved and benefits released early. So it can go either way. Hope I have helped you some, maybe someone with more insight can add additional info.

Your time frame sounds alot like mine.Had hearing in Jan.2008 after waiting for29 months for hearing date. Got favorable letter May 6th. I have been told my claim is in Baltimor, Maryland at the processing center and that could take 60 days before you hear something.well, it has been there since May 13th, more than 60 days and still nothing. Have you heard anything on your claim such as amts. or time frame on when you will recieve any payments or anything?Thanks for any help... Donna

It's a hurry up and wait deal.. It is just not fair. No health insurance or Medicaid or Medicare and in pain every day 24 hours a day. It can really get a person down on life.
Karen

Your time frame sounds alot like mine.Had hearing in Jan.2008 after waiting for29 months for hearing date. Got favorable letter May 6th. I have been told my claim is in Baltimor, Maryland at the processing center and that could take 60 days before you hear something.well, it has been there since May 13th, more than 60 days and still nothing. Have you heard anything on your claim such as amts. or time frame on when you will recieve any payments or anything?Thanks for any help... Donna

Brief history I was disabled 9/3/2003 after two deniels I hired an attorney and we won at the ALJ. My ALJ hearing was 4/4/2008 and I recieved my "Fully Favorable" letter on July 3 ,2008 it was dated June 23, 2008. I have recieved two phone calls and made one visit to the local SS office (for SSI) since then. I also recieved a phone call from the payment proccessing center in Maryland , the middle of this week stating they are finishing up my file and wanted to check my mailing address. I did call the 800# to check up on my claim and was told my SSI amount but my SSDI was not updated at that time. It is a long fight but well worth it in the end, keep moving forward and pray for gods blessing and favor.

Yes some people never go to the ALJ if your lawyer files for an On The Record decison.
If your medical records, age, work experience, etc. show you are disabled and can never get better and work again you have a good chance of getting an OTR decision.
The judge will look your case over and decide if you need to go to court or not.
I got an OTR and it still took 19 months all together and I am suppose to start getting my benefits soon.
I am not counting my chickens yet though.