How to Initiate a Congressional Inquiry for a Disability Claim

If you are stuck waiting to hear from the Social Security Administration about your disability application, you might want to get your U.S. senator or representative involved. This is known as a congressional inquiry, and it can help your disability claim move forward. Here’s what you need to know about how to initiate a congressional inquiry and how it can help your case. 

What is a congressional inquiry?

A congressional inquiry is when you ask your U.S. senator or representative to reach out to the Social Security Administration on your behalf about your disability claim. A congressional inquiry helps expedite the review process of your application by bringing visibility to your case. 

A congressional inquiry is like a status update that can help bring attention to your case if you’re facing long delays or administrative problems. The goal is to get the SSA to move more quickly and make a decision on whether you’ll receive benefits. 

Can a congressional inquiry help my disability claim?

In some cases, a congressional inquiry can help accelerate the process as the SSA processes your claim. It’s important to note that it does not guarantee a positive outcome. You might choose to start a congressional inquiry if:

1. You have a dire need case. Your case might qualify as dire need if you are experiencing urgent financial difficulty, such as being homeless, unable to get food, or unable to get essential medicine. 

2. You have a complex case. A congressional inquiry can help bring attention to your claim if you have a terminal illness or a condition on the SSA’s compassionate allowance list.

3. You experience administrative issues. Your U.S. senator or representative can help address any issues you’re facing with the SSA, like processing delays, mistakes in your file, or communication problems. 

How to initiate a congressional inquiry

Starting a congressional inquiry is most useful after your initial application or reconsideration appeal has been denied. Here’s how to make a congressional inquiry, step by step:

1. Contact your congressperson. Find your congressional representative on the U.S. Senate’s website. Email or call them to explain your disability claim, and include details like how long it’s been since starting the application process and any medical or financial difficulties you’re facing. Ask them to initiate a congressional inquiry on your behalf. 

2. Fill out a privacy release form. A privacy release form authorizes your senator’s office to access your medical information. Ask their office for a copy of this form. 

3. Follow up as needed. If your senator contacts you to ask for additional information, make sure you respond quickly. Regardless, follow up with their office to see if they contacted the SSA and what the response was.

If you have a disability lawyer, they can contact your U.S. representative to initiate a congressional inquiry.

What to include in a congressional inquiry

When you contact your representative’s office to request a congressional inquiry, it is important to provide as much information about your case as possible. You’ll likely have to fill out information about your disability claim. Here’s what to include:

• Contact information: Include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and Social Security number. 

• Case information: Include the dates of your initial application, and any appeals and denials. Briefly describe your medical condition. 

• Reason for inquiry: Explain why you are requesting a congressional inquiry. If you’re facing financial hardship and have a dire need case, be sure to include details about your situation.

Include any need-to-know information, but keep the letter clear and to the point. Thank the senator for their help, and remember to follow up with phone calls to make sure your request is received, read, and acted upon.

Get help submitting your congressional inquiry 

An elected official isn’t the only person who can help with your disability claim. A disability lawyer can also help you find your congressperson and make a congressional inquiry. If you need help with your disability claim, Atticus can offer advice about your options at no upfront cost. Take our disability quiz to get started. If you’d like, we can connect you with a good disability lawyer, too.

Related resources:

How to Write a Dire Need Letter for Social Security Disability

By Jackie Jakab

Resources for People With Disabilities: Housing, Health Care, Legal Help, and More

By Sydney Hershenhorn