Process and Procedure of Filing for Expedited Reinstatement

If your disability benefits (SSDI) have ended you can file an expedited reinstatement.  Also known as an “EXR” the process for getting back on track with the disability benefits is rather quick and does not require you to completely re-file for disability.  The good thing is that the paperwork necessary to process an expedited reinstatement is minimal as compared to the initial paperwork that had to be filed in order to get the disability benefits started.

Getting an Expedited Reinstatement

If you are approved to receive an expedited reinstatement you may get up to six months of disability benefits.  In order to apply for the expedited reinstatement, you have to meet the following qualifications:

• Your SSDI earnings from work should have stopped,
• You cannot be earning more than $1,000 per month  (this is the maximum substantial gainful activity level for people with disabilities); 
• You must not be able to earn over the substantial gainful activity level;
• You must have the same disability as when you initially applied. 
• The finally qualification that you need to meet is that you should make your request for reinstatement within five years from the time that Social Security terminated your initial benefits.

How to Apply

Once you meet the above mentioned qualifications you can apply for the expedited reinstatement.  In order to do that you will need to call Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213.  Upon calling you should request an appointment for applying for the Expedited Reinstatement of your disability benefits.  Additionally, should you just not feel like calling, you could actually go down to the Social Security Administration office that is nearest to your home. 

Reapplying for Benefits

You need to be prepared for the possibility of the representative that you meet with at Social Security Administration to try to talk you out of doing an Expedited Reinstatement.  Instead he or she will try to encourage you to reapply for your disability benefits.  While this may not be what you want to do, it may be in your best interest to submit a brand new application for disability benefits. 

Only you and your representative at Social Security will know what will work best for your particular situation.  Should you find that you have questions, feel free to ask your representative while you are meeting with him or her.  It is important to note that filing a new disability application may be better in the long run because you will not be limited to a small window of receiving benefits.  A brand new application can equal a prolonged time to receive your benefits.

Getting Help

If you have questions about applying for an expedited reinstatement or about any other aspects of getting your disability benefits, you should consult with an experienced disability attorney. Your attorney can help you to determine whether it is best to apply for an expedited reinstatement or whether it is best to reapply for benefits. He can also help you throughout the application process to ensure that things go smoothly and that you get the benefits you need in a timely fashion.