Don’t give up hope if your disability claim is denied

Was your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denied? This isn’t the time to give up, although many people do. Instead, you have the right to appeal this decision and ask for a second look at your case.

After your disability claim is denied, you have 65 days to file a request for reconsideration, or appeal. This is an important second step, as you are allowed to submit additional information to strengthen your claim.

Your reconsideration appeal will be sent to the same state disability agency that initially reviewed your claim, just to a different examiner. Unfortunately, there are very few reversals of decisions at this phase, because examiners lack flexibility when it comes to making medical decisions. For many, it is just a necessary step to get to the hearing.

When you receive a reconsideration denial notice, you have another 65 days to file a request for a disability hearing. At this phase, your case will be reviewed by an administrative law judge (ADJ). The ADJ will review all evidence as well as testimonials to determine if you qualify for disability benefits. Your best chance of success is at this phase, as roughly two-thirds of applicants are approved at the hearing.

At any step in the appeals process, your case can benefit from a strong legal advocate. A qualified Social Security Disability attorney can review your claim, provide advice and guidance, and speak on your behalf at the hearing. Contact an attorney today to discuss your options.