Social Security Disability Appeals Assistance Nationwide
Social Security Disability Appeals Assistance
When you’re unable to work because of a disabling medical condition, disability benefits through the Social Security Administration offer a solution to financial challenges. However, less than 30% of the applications submitted each year result in an approval of benefits. Where does that leave two-thirds of the people whose claims for financial assistance were denied?
Some of the individuals with disabilities whose applications for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits have been denied may give up in frustration. Instead of giving up, contact The Keener Law Firm and fight back by challenging an unfavorable decision through the appeal process.
Disability Appeal Process
The Social Security disability appeal process provides four opportunities to challenge a decision made by the Social Security Administration.. The disability appeal process has four levels or steps:
The appeal process starts with a request for reconsideration. You move through the levels of the appeal process until you receive a decision that is in your favor.
Reconsideration
A request for reconsideration of a decision results in the assignment of your claim and the documentation supporting it to an examiner and a medical or psychological consultant who were not involved in making the initial determination. You or your disability attorney may submit new evidence to bolster your claim.
Requests for reconsideration must be made in writing and submitted online or at a local Social Security office within 60 days after you receive notice of the decision you wish to appeal. If reconsideration does not result in a favorable outcome, you may appeal it to the next level in the appeal process, the disability hearing level.
Disability Hearing Appeals
If you disagree with the decision in response to a request for reconsideration of your claim, you may appeal it to the hearing level. You have only 60 days from receipt of the decision after the reconsideration to request a disability hearing with an administrative law judge.
An administrative law judge presides over a disability hearing, considers the evidence, and decides the appeal. Evidence can be presented in the form of documents, such as medical records, and witness testimony. Hearing are held with you going to a local Social Security office, by telephone, or through online video.
Your disability attorney from The Keener Law Firm submits evidence, including your current medical records, to the ALJ in advance of the hearing date. We review the hearing process, procedures, and questions that may be asked of you to ensure that you feel comfortable and at ease on the day of the hearing.
After the hearing, the ALJ prepares a written decision. If you agree with the outcome, the case is completed and final. If not, you may appeal by requesting a review by an Appeals Council.
Appeals Council Review
You have 60 days from receipt of the decision from an ALJ to appeal it by requesting a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can deny the request and let the decision by the ALJ stand, or it can decide the claim on its own. It also has the option of returning the case to the hearing level for further action.
You may submit new evidence supporting the claim for disability benefits to the Appeals Council for consideration. If you disagree with the decision of the Appeals Council, you may appeal it to a federal district court.
Federal Court Review
The final level in the Social Security disability appeal process involves filing a civil lawsuit asking a judge in a federal district court to review your claim and make a decision about it. The lawsuit must be filed within 60 days of receipt of a decision from the Appeals Council.
A federal judge may refer the claim back to the Social Security Administration for a new hearing, dismiss it, or award benefits after reviewing the evidence. Appeals to a federal court require the assistance of a disability attorney experienced in both federal court procedures and the Social Security disability claims process. A disability attorney at The Keener Law Firm with federal court experience represents you throughout the court process, serving as your staunch advocate.
Common Reasons For Denial Of SSDI And SSI Disability Benefits
The application review process typically denies benefits to applicants who fail to meet the financial and medical criteria for disability benefits through the SSDI or SSI program, including:
- Continuing to work and earn money.
- The medical condition is not expected to be disabling for more than 12 months.
- You do not have a long enough work history for SSDI.
- Your income or resources exceed the SSI limitations.
- The application was not supported by medical documentation showing a disabling condition.
- Failure to follow a treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The disability team at The Keener Law Firm reviews your application to ensure it is complete, free of errors or inconsistencies, and meets the essential requirements of the disability programs.
We also contact the medical professionals treating you to verify the availability of accurate and complete medical records that support your claim for disability benefits.
Advantages Of Representation By An Experienced Disability Attorney Improve
The assistance of an experienced attorney from the Keener Law Firm for a disability appeal makes a difference. A few of the ways our disability attorneys help include:
- Reviewing and determining the appropriate response to the notice of the decision made by the Social Security Administration.
- Ensure compliance with deadlines to appeal decisions.
- Work with your medical professionals to have current medical records available for the appeal.
Keener Law representatives are there throughout the appeal process to answer your questions, explain the process, and be there to support you at each stage.
Learn More About Disability Appeals By Contacting Keener Law
If you receive a denial of a claim for disability benefits through SSDI or SSI, don’t give up. Our experienced disability lawyers represent you in the appeal process without asking for a legal fee upfront. A disability appeal could turn an unfavorable result into an approval of benefits.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about Social Security disability appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Disability Appeals Process
The Keener Law Firm gets paid through a contingency fee arrangement. We get paid only if you win, and our legal fee does not come from your current monthly benefits. Instead, we are paid 25% of the back pay or arrears awarded to you, up to a maximum fee of $9,200. You and Keener Law sign a written agreement explaining the fee arrangement before presenting it to the Social Security Administration for approval, ensuring it complies with SSA regulations.
The Keener Law Firm handles disability claims and appeals on behalf of people with disabilities throughout the United States. Our goal is to get you the disability benefits you’re entitled to receive, regardless of where you live.
One option you have when the Social Security Administration denies a claim for disability benefits may be to reapply by submitting a new application. An appeal may be a better option because it focuses on resolving an issue that could lead to the denial of your new claim after waiting for months for the new application to go through the review process. A Keener Law disability attorney can review the denial of benefits with you and go over your options during a free consultation to help you make a decision that works best for you based on the facts of your case.