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Social Security disability benefits are a crucial financial lifeline for people who are unable to work due to a serious injury, sickness, or other medical impairment. Unfortunately, many people struggle to secure their disability benefits. According to the latest Social Security Administration (SSA) Annual Data for Disability Denial, more than two-thirds of initial claims are rejected.
The good news is that a Social Security disability denial is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal—but you need to act quickly to put yourself in the best position to get results. In this article, our Phoenix Social Security disability attorney highlights four key steps that you should take if your SSDI or SSI claim is denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Review and Preserve Your Social Security Disability Denial
Consistent with federal regulations, the SSA is required to send a written denial letter when it issues an unfavorable determination. You should review and preserve your Social Security disability denial letter. Although these letters can sometimes be difficult to parse, it will provide some important information for the reasoning behind the denial and your right to file an appeal.
Get Organized: Gather All Relevant Information
Appealing a Social Security disability denial is a lot easier when you are well organized. Take some time to gather all of the documents, records, and other information that is related to your claim. Beyond the SSD denial letter, this could include other key things such as your medical records, vocational history, and key financial information, among others.
Consult With an Arizona Social Security Disability Attorney
Social Security disability appeals are complicated. You should consult with an experienced Arizona Social Security disability attorney. Your lawyer will be to review your denial letter, gather all of the relevant evidence and information, obtain supplemental records as necessary, and help you craft a compelling appeal to get your benefits.
Submit Your Appeal (Request for Reconsideration)
Finally, you must submit your initial Social Security disability appeal before the deadline runs out. The first level appeal in an SSD claim is called a request for reconsideration. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your denial.
During reconsideration, a more senior Social Security disability reviewer will take a second look at your claim. They will also take into consideration any of the additional supplemental supporting evidence that you provided.
Ideally, your Social Security disability benefits will be approved on reconsideration. However, if they are not, you have the right to take your appeal to a higher level. You can appeal for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, we have an exclusive concentration on Social Security disability law. With extensive experience handling SSDI appeals and SSI appeals, our attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your best interests. Contact us today for a no cost, no obligation initial consultation. We provide Social Security disability denial representation throughout Arizona, including in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Surprise, and other communities.
