If you are disabled, you have the right to claim Social Security disability benefits. Having a right to claim and having your claim approved are two different things. Approximately 65 percent of initial claims are denied. There are many reasons for denial; perhaps you make too much money to qualify or perhaps your disability is not expected to last a full year. Whatever the reason given by the SSA, many people in Missouri have their claim approved on appeal.
There are several levels of the appeals process. Depending on circumstances, you may get the decision to deny benefits overturned at any of them.
Review The Decision To Deny Benefits
For those unsuccessful at the initial claims level, the first step in the appeals process is to go back to the SSA within 60 days and ask that your claim is reconsidered. As nothing has changed, very few denials are overturned.
Request A Hearing
You have another 60 days to request a hearing with an administrative law judge. A great number of denials are overturned at this stage, but you will have to have patience. The line is long; you can expect to wait upwards of a year to have your appeal heard. The good news is this; close to 70 percent of those who get this far are granted benefits.
It is advantageous to appear in person. To make this possible, hearings are usually held within 75 miles of the claimant’s home. This is your opportunity to present current medical reports and conclusions from medical professionals that have been treating you. Going into the hearing alongside a seasoned attorney helps considerably, your attorney will have worked with you in advance, giving examples of what questions to expect, and what answers to give.
If you are among the 30 percent that is not approved, you can request a review by the appeals council, and if all else fails and you believe you have a valid case, you can sue in federal court.
If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits, you have the right to engage a lawyer. Contact the Grundy Law Group, LLC in Missouri and ask for a free review of your case.
