Understanding the Steps to Appeal a Denied Social Security Disability Claim
Your appeal begins the moment you receive your disability benefits denial letter from Social Security. It can contain information about why you were denied and what steps you need to take next.
Remember, you have 60 days to file your first appeal. You could still appeal if you miss that window, but it becomes more complicated. You’ll need to explain why you took so long, and that adds an extra question you can avoid by acting quickly.
Let’s walk through the appeals process.
- Reconsideration: This is straightforward. You’re asking Social Security to double-check your application. You can add updated information. Someone who wasn’t a part of your initial review will take a look. Usually, though, they still reject your claim.
- A Hearing: If your denial isn’t overturned upon reconsideration, the next step is to take your case to a Social Security administrative law judge. Here you have a better chance to win your appeal, especially if you have a good disability lawyer. On average recently, more than 58% of denials have been overturned by disability judges in Atlanta.
- Appeals Council: If the judge’s decision still leaves you without benefits, you can go to the Appeals Council. This panel within Social Security will review your case and render a decision or return it to the judge with instructions on how to reconsider your claim.
- Federal Court: This is your final option if you don’t get the result you need after the Appeals Council review. When you file a lawsuit in federal court, you’re going outside the Social Security process, registering a dispute with Social Security. You’ll need a disability lawyer to file the lawsuit and send the needed documents to the federal judge.
With each step, you have a chance to build stronger arguments that you qualify for disability benefits, partly by finding the flaws in the decisions that denied you. Having a skilled Atlanta disability attorney is crucial.
The team at Silver & Archibald knows what Social Security looks for and responds to when you’re appealing a denial.
We can help you fill gaps in your application and tell your story in compelling ways to get you the benefits you need to steady your life.
If your disability claim was denied in Atlanta, get us to look at your case free of charge. In fact, you pay no attorney fees until you win your case.
How an Atlanta Disability Lawyer Can Help You Appeal a Denied Social Security Claim
Getting a letter denying your disability benefits can be a gut punch. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Atlanta can help you push back and win the benefits you are owed.
At Silver & Archibald, our disability law team helps in a variety of ways.
- We analyze your application and correct mistakes or fill in gaps in information.
- We set a strategy to overturn your denied disability claim, walking you through the steps.
- We work with medical providers and experts to gather additional evidence and improve your case.
- We prepare you to testify at a hearing and stay by your side when you stand before an administrative law judge.
- We make legal arguments to the judge that support your case.
- We appeal your disability denial to higher levels if needed.
Having a local disability lawyer helps when dealing with Social Security in Atlanta. The disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald know the Social Security administrators,judges, and system in the local area. We work with them every day and use that experience to boost your case.
Let us help you move to a new chapter in life after the disruption of serious health issues, one that calms your days so you can focus on what’s most important: your health.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity that this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
Common Disability Benefits Questions »
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