Social Security: Dire Need Process

Anyone who is involved in a Social Security Disability claim knows how difficult and lengthy the process can be and when individuals are waiting on a hearing, finances can run very low and oftentimes people are unable to afford their housing and/or utilities and face eviction, foreclosure or an uninhabitable home. Or they can’t afford medicine or medical treatment without which threatens the individual’s safety. If this is the case for an individual claimant waiting for a hearing, there is something that can be done to try and shorten the time for your hearing and that is to request an expedited hearing based on “dire need”. Attorney Ana Burkham has been using this tool successfully in her practice for years to get faster hearings for her clients whenever it applies.

In order to request a faster Social Security Disability hearing based on “dire needs” It is important to draft a letter and send to the Social Security ODAR (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review) that is handling your case. The letter needs to explain the claimant’s current situation and very importantly, documentation needs to be attached which supports the request. Examples of such documentation include: letters of eviction from landlords, utility shut offs, foreclosure petitions or other notices, and letters from your health care provider explaining your need for medicine or treatment.

If you are contemplating filing for Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI) or are anywhere in the process, please contact us at Sigman Janssen, our team of Green Bay Social Security Disability attorneys and staff strives to get our clients the best result possible, while helping them understand the legal process. At Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers, our team of attorneys and staff strives to get our clients the best results possible, while helping them understand the legal process.

We want you to feel confident and comfortable. That’s why we work hard to keep you informed and educated about the status of your case. Call us today, and talk to an attorney about your accident or other legal claim. We’re available—Right here. Right now.

Reviewed By

Ana Burkham

Attorney · Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers
Licensed Wisconsin Attorney

Ana Burkham has spent over a decade fighting for people who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits or need help filing a strong initial claim, giving her significant, focused experience in SSDI and SSI cases. She also brings 25 years as a licensed attorney, holding a Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law. Clients consistently describe her as thorough and precise, someone who prepares carefully and keeps them informed at every stage of a case. Ana serves on the board of the State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division and continues to focus her practice on getting disabled workers the benefits they've earned.

  • J.D., Washington University School of Law
  • Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, active and in good standing
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Board Member, State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division
  • Member, Outagamie County Bar Association