While millions of people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) every year, less than half of these people have their applications approved. For those who are denied, however, there is always the option of appealing the decision. But why exactly should you appeal your SSDI or SSI denial, and what happens if you do?
What Does it Mean to Appeal an SSDI or SSI Denial?
When you appeal an SSDI or SSI denial, you are effectively asking the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reconsider their decision and give you another chance at being approved. You can get the application looked over by other people, and argue on your behalf about whether you were denied correctly. If successful, an appeal can allow you to get the benefits you applied for, as though you had been approved in the first place.
Why Might Your SSDI or SSI Application Be Denied?
There are a number of reasons that SSDI or SSI applications might be denied, ranging from relatively banal paperwork errors to more serious questions about the nature or severity of a person’s disability. A person may also have their application denied if they fail to meet certain economic qualifications, like making more income than is permitted by law, or by failing to have a sufficient number of work credits. Ultimately, though, the result is the same: the application is denied, and you do not receive any benefits.
What Happens When You Appeal?
Appealing an SSDI or SSI denial is a multi-step process, starting with asking for reconsideration of your application by another person at the SSA. If that doesn’t work, you can ask for a hearing from an administrative law judge, and then by the SSA’s Appeals Council. If your application still has not been accepted, you can still escalate from there by bringing a lawsuit in federal court.
What Should You Do?
If you want to appeal your SSDI or SSI denial, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability benefits applications like yours. They can help you review your case and determine the best path forward for you. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
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.
