# What is a dire need letter?

The SSA identifies dire need as one of the critical-case categories that can support expedited processing at the hearing level under HALLEX.

**Direct answer:** A dire need letter is a written request asking the SSA to expedite an SSDI claim under critical-case procedures because the claimant lacks food, medicine, shelter, or medical care.

## What must a dire need letter show?
Specifically that the claimant is without adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, with supporting documentation such as eviction notices, shutoff notices, or medical letters.

## Who submits it?
The claimant or representative submits it to the hearing office or field office handling the case.

## Does dire need guarantee expediting?
No — the SSA reviews each request; if approved, the case is flagged as critical and moves faster than the standard queue.

## Sources
- SSA HALLEX — Critical Cases — https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/hallex.html
- SSA — Hearing Types (Critical) — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_types.html

## Related questions
- [Can I expedite my SSDI claim?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/can-i-expedite-my-ssdi-claim)
- [How long is the wait for an SSDI ALJ hearing?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-is-the-wait-for-an-alj-hearing)
- [What is a Compassionate Allowance?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-a-compassionate-allowance)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals
- Compassionate Allowances — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-a-compassionate-allowance

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