If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it is quite possible that your social security disability claim has been denied. You should know that you’re not alone – nearly 70% of initial applications are denied. So what do you do next?
Appealing Your Social Security Disability Claim Denial
You can appeal the Social Security Administration initial decision. Appealing is the process used to have your Social Security Disability claim reviewed again. Just because your claim was denied once does not mean the process ends there. Most people that eventually receive Social Security Disability benefits have had to appeal at least once.
There are many levels of appeal. Social Security may keep denying your case and you may have to continue appealing. At any point in this process, your claim may be approved. It works like this:
1. Request for reconsideration
After your initial application is denied, you can request that Social Security take another look at your application and “reconsider” its decision to deny Social Security Disability benefits. The vast majority of these reconsiderations are also denied and will move on to the next level of appeal.
2. Request a hearing before a judge
If you lose again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing. You can testify and there may also be experts to testify about your condition and abilities.
3. Request for review by appeals council
If the judge at your hearing denies your claim, then you can ask for a higher level judge at the appeals council to review your file.
4. Suing the Social Security Administration in federal court
This is the final level of appeal. If you are denied at this level of appeal, your case is likely over and you will not be able to receive benefits on this application. You may still be able to try again and start a new claim.
If your initial Social Security Disability claim has been denied, be sure to contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. An attorney will be able to guide you through the steps of your disability appeal. These steps may include gathering and submitting additional evidence, assembling concise opinions from your doctors, and reviewing your file to determine the best steps to take to win your appeal.
Social Security Disability law is complicated, and it’s understandable that you may have questions. Call us at 1-319-774-1542 today and get an expert opinion about whether you should appeal your denied claim.
