After An SSD Application Denial, Then What?
For most people, the denial of an initial application for SSD benefits is normal. It is discouraging, but not unusual at all. In fact, about 70% of initial applications are denied. If you have received a letter of denial, this indicates that it is time to get serious about improving your chances of approval by getting legal advice.
At KBAR Legal Services, LLP, we help many prospective SSD benefits recipients to avoid denials by coaching them through their initial application. But we also help many others to overcome denials. We hope to hear from you no matter what stage you are at in the SSD application and appeals process.
Tips And Steps For Overcoming An SSD Denial
Some tips at any stage of the process include the following:
- Document your work history and medical condition accurately and neatly.
- Be ready to demonstrate that you have consulted with medical providers and have followed their recommendations to seek improvement of your condition.
- Ask an attorney for guidance at every step along the way.
- If you are working or hope to work despite your disability, talk with a lawyer about the limits of what you can earn and still qualify.
- Answer any requests for further information promptly and in detail.
Steps in appealing after your application has been denied include the following:
- Ask the Social Security Administration to reconsider your application. You can add more evidence and otherwise improve your application at this point.
- If your case is denied once again through the reconsideration process, ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
- If you have reached this point without an attorney, you definitely need one before you appear before the ALJ. Your lawyer may bring in expert witnesses and otherwise bolster the evidence that you present regarding your disability and work history.
- If an ALJ denies your appeal, you may take your case to a federal court of appeals. It is, of course, advantageous to have a highly experienced SSD attorney as your advocate at this point.
Our lawyers have helped many applicants receive the SSD benefits they were eligible for by representing them through one or more of these steps. We also help people overcome denied long-term insurance claims, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications and other applications for disability claims, such as claims for federal workers and railroad workers.
Get Information, Direction And Hands-On Help After A Denied Claim
Reach us at our Carmel office in the Indianapolis metro area by calling 317-550-3586 or sending us an email inquiry.