1. What Is a Dire Need Letter?

A dire need letter is a written request to the Social Security Administration (SSA) explaining that you are experiencing severe hardship that requires your disability case to be expedited. It asks SSA or the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) to prioritize your claim due to urgent circumstances.

2. When Should You Submit a Dire Need Letter?

You should consider submitting a dire need letter if you are:

• Unable to afford food, housing, or utilities
• Facing homelessness or imminent eviction
• Unable to access necessary medical treatment or medications due to lack of income or insurance
• Experiencing other life-threatening or extreme hardships

SSA defines “dire need” as a situation in which the claimant’s health, safety, or survival is in danger without expedited processing.

3. Who Reviews Dire Need Requests?

If your SSDI claim is at the initial or reconsideration level, SSA field offices and Disability Determination Services (DDS) review dire need letters to decide whether to expedite processing.

If your claim is at the hearing level (waiting for an ALJ hearing), the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or hearing office staff will review your dire need request to determine if your hearing can be scheduled sooner under their backlog prioritization rules.

4. How to Write a Dire Need Letter for SSDI in Colorado

An effective dire need letter should include:

• Your full name, Social Security number, and contact information
• A clear statement requesting expedited processing due to dire need
• Specific details about your financial or medical hardship, such as:
• Imminent eviction or foreclosure with dates and notices
• Utility shut-off notices
• Lack of access to medications or treatment critical for your health
• Evidence of homelessness or living in a shelter
• Supporting documentation, such as:
• Eviction notices
• Utility shut-off notices
• Medical provider letters explaining health risks
• Shelter residency letters

5. Does a Dire Need Letter Guarantee Faster SSDI Processing?

While submitting a dire need letter does not guarantee expedited processing or approval, it:

• Signals to SSA or the hearing office that your situation is urgent
• May result in your case being moved to the front of the queue under dire need criteria
• Can potentially shorten waiting time, especially at the hearing stage where delays often exceed 12 months

6. How to Submit a Dire Need Letter in Colorado

You can submit your dire need letter by:

• Uploading it to your My Social Security account if your claim allows document uploads
• Mailing it to your local SSA office or Disability Determination Services
• Faxing or mailing it directly to your assigned hearing office if your appeal is pending at the ALJ stage

Always keep a copy of your letter and proof of submission for your records.