If you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and were denied, you are unfortunately in good company. More than half of all applications for SSDI and SSI benefits are denied, but thankfully there is an appeals process that can help rectify the situation. But why should you consider appealing your SSDI or SSI application?
What is an SSDI or SSI Appeal?
An SSDI or SSI appeal is when you ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) or another legal body to reconsider your application for Social Security disability benefits. You can appeal if your benefits have been denied for any reason, including errors on your application, a lack of medical evidence, or discrepancies over your economic status. This can help to get new eyes on your application and potentially get you success you did not have previously.
What is Involved in Appealing an SSDI or SSI Application?
When you appeal your SSDI or SSI application, you can first start by asking them to reconsider a decision with a new person to look over the application. If that fails, you can seek a hearing with an administrative court judge, who will look over your case. After that, if your appeal still has not succeeded, you can ask to be heard by the SSA’s Appeals Council. And finally, if all else fails, you can appeal to federal court.
Why Should You Appeal Your Application?
The biggest reason to appeal your decision, of course, is if you believe they incorrectly denied your application for SSDI or SSI benefits. You should also consider appealing if you have uncovered new medical evidence or other records that can back up your case. Whatever your reasoning, this is an important way of helping to secure the benefits you may need for your own personal expenses.
What Should You Do?
If you had your SSDI or SSI application denied, you should consider speaking to a lawyer with experience handling the Social Security disability appeals process. They can help go over your case and explore all of your potential options with you. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work on getting you the benefits you deserve.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
I find it surprising that a lawyer can provide legal advice on how an individual can pursue their disability claim. I saw online ads that talked about this recently and I wanted to understand how they work. I will keep this in mind if I end up needing it someday!