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SSDI Appeals: What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Denied

On Behalf of | Jul 18, 2014 | Blog, social security disability

Has your social security disability insurance claim been denied? The majority of initial claims are denied, particularly those that are filed by individuals on their own without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. Usually, claims are denied due to lack of proof of total disability and the inability to be gainfully employed.

After a denial, the SSDI appeals begins. According to the Social Security Administration, there are four possible steps to the appeals process, which must be done in order. They include: a request for reconsideration, which must be filed within a tight deadline following your denial and includes a medical review of your case by someone other than the person who initially denied your claim; a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which must be done within 60 days of your denial; an Appeals Council Review; or with a District Court Case, which must be handled by an attorney.

Because there are time limits in all steps of the SSDI appeals process, you must act quickly in order to have the Social Security Administration take a second look at your claim. Hiring an attorney experienced with the process is advisable regardless of which step you are on because they are able to help you understand why the application was denied and to gather the medical documentation that will be necessary for the appeal. Most of our clients receive a favorable resolution during the Administrative Law Judge phase.

While you shouldn’t despair receiving a denial of your initial application, you should understand that the appeals process takes time. For more information on the process or to speak to an attorney about the denial of your claim, contact us.