Only about one-third of Social Security disability claims are initially approved. Our SSD attorneys in Orange, CA know how difficult it can be to be approved. Follow these steps to make sure you are doing everything you can if you have been denied.
First, file an appeal.
If the first time you file for SSD and you are denied, you should appeal as seen as you can. We recommend appealing within 60 days of the date on your denial notice. In most states, you fill our Form SSA-561, which is a request for reconsideration. This form is basically asking for your case to be looked at and reviewed again. By mid-2020, all states will have the Reconsideration phase.
Next, you request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
During the Reconsideration phase, your claim will be reviewed for a second time. It’s possible to be denied again. However, if this happens, you file a request for an ALJ hearing to appeal. Follow directions on how to fill out the form. Hearings always happen after the second denial.
After an ALJ hearing, you request a review by the Appeals Council.
You have reached the ALJ hearing stage, and your claim was denied again. Now what? You have the right to appeal to the Social Security’s Appeals Council. The council reviews hearing decisions. They have the power to remand or send cases back to the judges if mistakes were made. Additionally, the council can reverse decisions in a small share of cases. Unfortunately, it can take roughly a year to get a decision from the Appeals Council. If you were unsuccessful with the Appeals Council, file an appeal in Federal Court.
Nothing worked, now what?
Now, you need to receive help. You have the right to representation, which is where we come in. You should consider getting help from a Social Security disability attorney or representative. The sooner you reach out for help, the more successful you will be in handling your case.
We know this sounds like a trying and tiring process, but it can end up being beneficial to you and your family. Our SSD attorneys in Orange, CA are ready to help you with your appeals. Contact the Ortega Disability Group today by filling out a quick form on our website. You can also call us to speak with a representative. We have years of experience advocating and work hard to make sure you are in good hands with your denial appeals. Ultimately, we are here to help you.
