Dire Financial Need

Social Security will expedite a case when a claimant has dire financial need. In order to receive dire need status, a claimant must show that there are specific, immediate circumstances that merit an expedited hearing. Typically, such circumstances include ongoing lack of food, ongoing lack of medical care, and lack of shelter. Social Security may ask the claimant for proof of their dire need.

While many Social Security claimants are under serious financial pressure, not every case will be given "dire need" status. In its rules, Social Security notes, "Although many disability cases could be described as 'hardship' situations and many claimants have limited resources, designating all cases critical would defeat the effectiveness of any... plan for the processing of the most serious claims."

From a practical standpoint, cases involving homelessness are the most frequently approved for dire need status.

It is important to tell your attorney that you may qualify for dire need status. Make sure to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as an eviction or foreclosure notice. If you need help with your Social Security disability or SSI claim, contact McCroskey Law today.