If your Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) claim was denied, you need the help of a skilled Southfield SSDI appeals lawyer. Our seasoned attorneys are ready to fight for you and your family during this worrisome, uneasy time.
SSDI appeals are a lengthy and complicated process. Without legal assistance, anywhere from 50% to 90% of appeals are denied. That is why contacting an experienced SSDI attorney is crucial. You do not need to fight this battle alone.
Most SSDI Claims Are Denied
Unfortunately, almost two-thirds of SSDI applications are denied. The reasons for denial vary. Many applicants make simple errors on their applications. For example, a missing signature or key area left blank will lead to a denial.
Other times, applicants are missing important medical documentation from a physician that proves their inability to work. Perhaps the applicant missed key doctor appointments, or perhaps the physician’s staff did not forward documents correctly. Even a simple misspelling on medical records can have resounding effects that ripple through the entire process and lead to ongoing denials and appeals. A Southfield attorney could review an SSDI application to determine why it was denied and begin an appeal.
The SSDI Appeals Process
When a disability claim is denied, the Social Security Administration (SSA) notifies the applicant in writing. This usually occurs three to five months after the first application.
Applicants have 60 days from the date of the denial to file an appeal. That 60-day time limit renews every time a case is denied.
The denial letter will state the reason an application was denied. Again, it could be something as simple as a misspelled applicant name or a missing date. It may also be a more complicated issue, such as insufficient evidence that an injury meets the severity and duration requirements.
Once the denial letter is received, an applicant should immediately contact an attorney. SSDI claims then go through four levels of appeals, and a Southfield lawyer could help them go smoothly.
The 4 Levels of SSDI Appeals
The four levels of SSDI appeals are:
- Reconsideration: The applicant is asking for another review of their application, done by a different SSA employee.
- Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): The applicant and their attorney present their evidence to a judge to prove the severity and duration of an injury.
- The Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies the applicant’s request, the Appeals Council can review the case again.
- Federal Court Review: If the Appeals Council denies the case, it can be presented on the federal level.
Remember, every time a denial letter is received, the applicant has 60 days to move forward in the appeals process. However, it is best to act quickly and not wait the full 60 days to respond to a denial.
Call a Southfield SSDI Appeals Lawyer Today to Get the Help You Need
If your application for disability benefits was denied, as most are, you need the help of a Southfield SSDI appeals lawyer.
At Thurswell Law, our skilled team has helped hundreds of people collect the disability benefits they deserve after a lifetime of work, and we can help you, too. Our entire team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the money you deserve after a life-altering injury. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to fighting on your behalf.
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