For those of you who can no longer work full-time due to an injury, illness, or other life-altering medical impairment, Social Security Disability benefits can provide much needed financial support. That said, many people struggle to get their benefits. By their own admission, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is proud to reports that approximately two-thirds of Initial Applications are denied. You have the right to appeal a denial of Social Security Disability benefits. Here, one of our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers explains the key things to understand about appealing a denial of your SSDI or SSI benefits.
Step #1: Review and Preserve Your Denial Letter
The Code of Federal Regulations requites SSA to send Disability applicants a written denial letter when it determines that they are not eligible for benefits. This letter is supposed to list with some particularity why your claim was denied. The specifics are often lacking. When you receive the denial letter, it is crucial you have this handy before you call SSLG. We will ask you to read certain portions of the letter. From there, we will know exactly what to do next. Keep a copy for your records, and . Also, pay very close attention to the deadline for appealing the decision. If you miss the Appeal window, you must start over. In certain cases, you can forfeit benefits permanently.
Step #2: Consult with a Massachusetts Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer
SSDI/SSI appeals are complicated. The right Attorney on your side, one who doesn’t just dabble in SSDI can make all of the difference. A top-rated Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyer in Fall River will help you understand your rights, your options, and the exact things that you need to do next in the appeals process. Do not give up on pursuing your SSD benefits without a fight.
Step #3: Submit a Request for Reconsideration (With Supplemental Evidence)
After reviewing your denial letter and consulting with an Attorney, the next step is to submit a Request for Reconsideration. This is your initial appeal. There is a 60-day deadline to file it. At SSLG, we’ll ensure your Appeal is not routed through the Filed Office for what the SSA calls a Summary Denial. This will happen if you give the SSA nothing to reconsider. Do not wait too long to move forward.
Step #4: Escalate Your Social Security Disability Appeal (If Necessary)
If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you need to take more decisive action. Call us immediately, chances are, we’ll recommend you continue your appeal by bringing your case before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You have the right to bring an appeal and seek a hearing for an ALJ. An experienced Massachusetts Social Security Disability lawyer can help you prepare for this hearing and represent you in front of the Judge.
Contact Our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Attorney Today
At Social Security Law Group, our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers are standing by, ready to fight for your rights. If your Social Security Disability claim was denied, it is your right to appeal to get your benefits. Contact us today for a no cost, no obligation case review. We handle SSDI and SSI claims and appeals in Fall River, Bristol County, and throughout all of Massachusetts.