Was Your Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits Denied?
If your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied, you will receive a letter of denial from the Social Security Administration. This letter will notify you of your right to an appeal by requesting reconsideration of your claim.
At this point in the process many applicants give up — or wait too long and end up missing their deadline to file an appeal. These are the two biggest mistakes that anyone can make. Going though the appeals process is difficult and time-consuming, but if you truly are unable to work, you should request an appeal.
There are up to three stages in the appeals process:
- Reconsideration: During reconsideration, you can submit additional medical records to the Social Security administration to support your claim for disability benefits. However, you should be aware that many valid claims are also denied during reconsideration.
- Hearing: This is your first chance to present your case to an administrative law judge. The judge will schedule a hearing in which you can present evidence, including live testimony, to prove your claim for disability benefits. It is important that you seek representation by an attorney for this stage of your appeal.
- Review: If the judge denied your claim after the hearing, your lawyer can appeal the decision to the Social Security Appeals Council.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a long and frustrating process. Most claimants are denied benefits when they first apply. Then they are forced to navigate a complex appeals process that seems to take forever.
The most important message I can tell you is to keep hope. Since 1994, I have successfully helped many disabled clients through the appeals process. I take these cases to win them. I charge no fees unless I am successful in helping you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Free Lawyer Consultation
To discuss your Social Security disability case with me, attorney Joseph Rooth, call 888-766-6510 or fill out the contact form on this site. With offices in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Seminole and Clearwater, I represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay and central gulf coast area of Florida.
I am a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives. Learn more about my credentials as an attorney.
