Social security disability appeal

Program Overview

Social security disability appeal process. The federal government will often deny an application for disability benefits. There are steps that individuals can take in order to refile or appeal their disability claim and continue with the process . Whether you were denied for medical or some other reasons, more details on the steps to take and the process is below.

There are also resources available if your SSI or SSDI payments were reduced or stopped. Learn how the disability appeal process works at a social security office near you Note that some private studies show that about 60% of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are denied. Even after someone appeals, the government may deny up to 75% of those re-filings or reconsiderations.

In these cases you can also request a hearing with the administration at a local office. How to appeal social security disability application The process can be complicated and time consuming . So some people turn to advocates, disability lawyers or third parties to help in this process and to ensure that they are being treated fairly by the Social Security Administration.

If you take this approach then be sure to review any contracts closely before entering into an agreement with a representative. The federal government Social Security Administration, which oversees SSDI, recommends that if your application was denied for medical reasons that you submit the Appeal Request and Disability Report .

If you take this step then be prepared to have and submit any new, current details on your medical condition and treatments that you may be undergoing. This will include the results of any doctor visits, tests, or exams. Some claims are rejected for other reasons. If you application has been denied for so called non-medical reasons, which can be any number of reasons as expanded upon below, then it is recommended to call your local Social Security Office.

Or individuals can dial 1-800-772-1213. They can request an appeal of the process or even a hearing. Applications can be denied for any number of reasons . However a notice needs to be submitted to you that gives the reason why. Some of the more common reasons include technical rationale (which contains information on your medical condition), the government may say there are still some types of jobs you can do, or there could be a non-medical reason.

In any regards, make sure that you received some type of description and explanation. Some of the more common non-medical reasons for denial include the following. The claimant’s income is too high. Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSDI have income restrictions in place and the financial aid is only intended for low income individuals.

For some applicants, the government and their medical specialists will state that your medical condition or disability won’t last long enough. Regulations put into place by the Social Security Administration state that financial aid can be paid to people only if their impairment will last 12 months or longer or that may result in their death.

The applicant needs to cooperate throughout the process. If you refuse to provide medical records, are not accessible, don’t attend any consultative examination, or fulfill other requests then the government has the right to deny your claim. People who don’t follow any prescribed therapies or treatments may be denied.

There can be some exceptions made for those with a mental condition, the very low income who lack insurance, or for religious beliefs, but in general the applicant needs to be sure they receive treatment for their condition. Disability payments can be denied for certain felons or people convicted of a crime.

Anyone that is involved in obtaining disability benefits or compensation by dishonest means or fraud, the Social Security Administration can terminate your benefits. Even if your disability claim was denied, it is usually recommend to appeal it. The sooner you take this step the more likely you are to be successful.

The income limits can also be referred to as substantial gainful activity, or SGA. Appeal process from disability hearings: One of the most effective ways to gain approval is to request a hearing. This provides the applicant the ability to explain your situation and present your case face-to-face to someone who can grant you benefits or some form of financial support.

The request needs to be made within 60 days of the original denial. Note that the government can take up to 6 months to schedule this hearing. In addition to that timeframe, it often takes a few months to receive a formal decision. A hearing is an example of when people usually turn to some type of advocate, lawyer, or non-attorney representative for assistance.

During this event an administrative, independent judge will run the session. The judge will review your medical records, hear your testimony (or that of your representative), review other documents, and give others a chance to speak at the hearing. They will come to some type of independent decision on the evidence in your case.

In most cases the judge will ask a vocational expert or medical professional to testify about the condition or the disability that is being claimed. As indicated, at this stage it is often a good idea to have a legal representative for the disability appeal . This can be an attorney or disability advocate.

Be sure to read the fine print of any contract agreed to. It is always important to obtain a representative with multiple years of experience in representing Social Security claimants. Some of what they can help with includes the following.

Or learn what a disability lawyer does Reviewing your case under Social Security Regulations. The representative can contact your doctor in order to obtain a report consistent with the regulations. Gathering information on your medical conditions and other evidence. Advocates can refer individuals to specialists and doctors in order to obtain further medical reports.

Advising clients on how to best prepare for the hearing. If the person still loses the case, then they can even still further appeal to the Appeals Council. Advocates or representatives can send people a vocational expert for a report on your ability to hold a job. Ask that a prior application for SSDI benefits or financial assistance be reopened to obtain more retroactive compensation for you.

An attorney or advocate can even ensure your rights are protected by objecting to improper procedures and evidence. A number of other services are provided. Read more on disability advocates As indicated, be sure to closely review any contracts before agreeing to use a lawyer or some type of advocate.

In general, the representative will charge a fee to represent you, and it should be on a contingent basis. This means that the applicant will only need to pay it they win your case. The normal amount charged will be about 25% of any back compensation from the Social Security Administration. There may be some minimal out of pocket costs too that may be in the $100 or so range.

When appealing your claim, you need to have a substantial amount of medical evidence. It is important that the SSA and their files have all of the medical information in your case. This includes things such as your history, physical and mental abilities, education and training, work experience, and daily activities.

Have records of what sort of treatment your doctor provides, how often you take each prescription medication, symptoms and treatment, and more. This will be requested throughout the process, up to and including any hearings. In some cases, Social security may try to reduce, or even stop, your SSDI and/or SSI benefits.

The government may review cases any time, and it is their right to do this. They may decide that your medical condition has improved or that the individual is now able to work. If the Social Security Administration reviews your case, and if you still think you are disabled and unable to work, then try to get medical evidence from your doctor.

It would need to prove that your condition has stayed the same or is now worse. If the government pushed back on your claim then it is often a good idea to get a lawyer or some other professional to represent you. If they take the step of actually terminating your benefits and any payments, then that decision can also be appealed as well.

Or if they reduce or cut your social social security payments , there is help available. This needs to be done within 60 days. The process will involved meeting with an Administrative Law Judge as well, and that is one reason why professional help is recommended.

Office of Disability Adjudication and Review: If your claim was denied and it requires an appeal, the locations of the social security offices that handle that appeal process are below . Staff at these centers can provide further information and help answer questions if needed.

Or call 1-800-772-1213 to find additional social security offices to file an appeal. Alaska 188 W Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99503, call (855) 602-5004 Alabama 1200 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35285, call (866) 613-2863 for information. Walnut Street Executive Center, 204 South Walnut Street, Suite D, Florence, AL 35630, telephone: (866) 964-9978 550 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602, call (866) 563-4698 4344 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106, (866) 931-9032 Arizona 3737 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, Telephone: (888) 748-1991 18444 North 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85023, (877) 784-3690 201 N.

Who Can Apply

• Low-income individuals and families meeting income guidelines
• Participants in government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
• Recipients of federal housing assistance
• Those experiencing financial hardship or crisis situations

Application Process

Applications can typically be submitted online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide documentation of your income, household size, and proof of participation in qualifying programs if applicable.

Benefits Available

This program provides various forms of financial assistance depending on your specific circumstances and needs. Benefits may include bill payment assistance, emergency aid, or ongoing support services.

Contact & Apply

For more information about this program, including application deadlines and specific requirements, visit the official resource link below or contact the administering organization directly.