The application process to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) can be tedious and time-consuming, with wait times around 5 months or longer. And even if you feel like you’ve followed the instructions perfectly, probabilities are high that you will receive a denial letter since nearly two-thirds of applications are rejected.
The good news is that you have the right to request a case review with several appeal stages available to you in case you face repeated denials. The appeals process is a critical part of the struggle for benefits, and many candidates who were denied at first eventually are awarded benefits through appeals channels.
Levels of Appeals
After your first denial, you can follow the four following avenues to appeal.
- Stage 2: Reconsideration
- Stage 3: Appeal Hearing
- Stage 4: Review by Appeals Council
- Stage 5: Federal District Court with an Administrative Law Judge
Of course, you’ll want to do all you can in Stage 2 to convince the SSA of your worthiness and save you the hassle of having to appeal multiple times.
Challenges of SSD Appeals
Your SSD case is not a priority for the Social Security Administration (SSA). They’ve already reviewed and denied your initial request, so it make take several months to even get your information in front of the SSA’s decision-makers.
Appealing a denial can be a tricky process where even a small oversight can render you a repeat denial. In addition, you may not understand why your application was passed over and wonder what you should do to help your chances during appeal. A seasoned SSD attorney can help you get started with your appeal and fill you in on the types of things the Administration looks for when reviewing appeals.
Where to Start
If you’re thinking of submitting an appeal for an SSD denial, talk to an attorney right away for tips and information on how to do it right. Your legal professional can give you specific information on how the appeals process works, your options should another denial happen, and what to expect when appealing.
For important insight into the appeals process, please use our legal directory to contact an SSD attorney near your home.