Little Rock Lawyer for Social Security Disability Appeals
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides benefits to people who cannot work as a result of their disabilities. The people who apply for these benefits assume that their application will be approved, but that’s not always the case. Most initial applications are denied, which can be heart-breaking to applicants who desperately need these benefits.
Fortunately, it is possible to obtain SSDI benefits even if your initial application was denied. If your claim has been denied, it’s important to file an appeal with the help of the attorneys at Denton & Zachary, PLLC.
How to File A SSDI Appeal
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a letter informing you of their decision to deny your application. You will have 60 days from the date you receive this letter to file an appeal. Don’t make the mistake of waiting too long. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to appeal the SSA’s decision.
There are several ways to initiate an appeal, but it’s easiest to file your appeal online with the help of an attorney. This way, you can upload documentation when you file your appeal.
The Four Stages of the SSDI Appeals Process
Appealing the SSA’s decision is a complex process that involves these four main stages:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
Reconsideration
During this stage, the SSA will conduct another review of your application to determine whether the initial decision was wrong. The SSA will review all of the evidence you submitted with your initial application in addition to any new evidence that has been submitted since then. The disability examiner, disability hearing officer, or medical consultant who conducts this review must not have been involved in the initial review of your application.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
If your claim is denied again at the reconsideration stage, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. You may be asked to provide additional information regarding your disability prior to the hearing, and you are also welcome to voluntarily submit additional evidence to support your claim.
During the hearing, the judge will allow you to present evidence that proves why you qualify for benefits. The judge will also ask you and your witnesses questions related to your medical condition and ability to work. The judge will consider all of the evidence introduced during this hearing when deciding whether or not you should receive SSDI benefits.
Appeals Council Review
You can ask the Appeals Council to review your case if you are unhappy with the administrative law judge’s decision. The Appeals Council may or may not grant your request for a review. If the council takes your case, they will either reach a decision on their own or send your case back to an administrative law judge for another hearing.
Federal Court Review
If the Appeals Council chooses not to review your case—or if you are unhappy with the outcome of your Appeals Council review—you can take your appeal to federal court.If you reach this stage, you will need to work with an attorney to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. This is the final stage in the SSDI appeals process.
How An Attorney in Little Rock Can Help You Win Your SSDI Appeal
Having an attorney from Denton & Zachary, PLLC by your side can improve your chances of winning your appeal. Our attorneys will go the extra mile to help you obtain SSDI benefits by:
- Reviewing your initial application to identify weaknesses that could have led to your denial
- Gathering additional medical documentation
- Requesting written statements from your healthcare providers to strengthen your claim
- Preparing you for the hearing so you know how to answer the judge’s questions
- Questioning vocational experts and other witnesses at your hearing
- Presenting a strong case that persuades the administrative law judge to rule in your favor
Let our team of skilled SSDI lawyers guide you through the appeals process and fight for the disability benefits you deserve.
Schedule A No-Cost Consultation With Our SSDI Appeals Lawyers Today
Has your application for SSDI benefits been denied? If so, contact our experienced social security disability attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your case. Let us work tirelessly to win your appeal so you can secure the benefits you are entitled to by law. To schedule a free consultation, call 501-273-1695 or submit your information using the form on this website.