Appeals for Denied SSD/SSI Claims in Charlotte, NC
A Highly Skilled Legal Team Dedicated to Helping Clients Through the Complex SSD Appeal Process
With so many people seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it’s unfortunate that many applicants have their initial applications denied for one reason or another. Even those who have qualifying disabilities, the necessary work credits, and additional evidence to support their disability claims still find difficulties receiving the benefits that they deserve. In many such instances, disabled individuals who received denial letters from the SSA fall into despair, believing that all hope of obtaining financial support from the federal government is now and forever lost. You mustn’t give up on your chances of receiving benefits for your disabilities; however, there may be options to appeal decisions in hopes of reaching a favorable outcome with a new decision.
Although the appeals process presents opportunities for disabled individuals to obtain benefits, that does not mean the process will be simple or straightforward. There are many stages of the appeals process, and each stage has new complexities that often feel too daunting for applicants to face on their own. We strongly encourage all hopeful applicants to seek the services of legal representatives to advocate on their behalf throughout the appeals proceedings in hopes of securing the optimal resolution to their claims.
Our Charlotte law firm has extensive experience helping our clients through the appeals process, and we would be proud to extend our in-depth knowledge of Social Security law to you as well. As your attorneys, we will explain your legal options for appealing denied claims, ensure you are eligible for disability benefits, and address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the proceedings.
If you disagree with a decision made by your local Social Security office, we can help you file your first appeal and guide you through all stages of the process. Contact our North Carolina law office to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.
What Are Common Reasons for the Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits?
Even those with valid claims often receive denial notices. There are many reasons why your disability claim could be denied, ranging from a failure to properly complete all the necessary forms, neglecting to disclose information about your disability or work history, and more.
When submitting your application for Social Security disability benefits, you must provide sufficient medical records detailing the severity of your disabilities. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you are following your doctor’s treatment orders for your medical condition. We also strongly recommend that all applications include testimony from your healthcare providers to strengthen your medical evidence.
For those hoping to receive SSDI benefits, you must show a detailed account of your work history and relevant work credits. Failing to provide the necessary information and supporting documents about your work history will likely result in a denial of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
In many situations, the Social Security Administration may request additional information for review. You must cooperate with all requests for additional documentation from the SSA, or they are very likely to deny your claim.
Other common reasons for denied claims include an inability to contact you because of incorrect identifying information, your disability is temporary in nature, or your income is too high.
Should You Submit a New Application or Consider an Appeal?
Many disabled individuals seeking Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income are unsure whether to file their first appeal or submit a new application.
We strongly recommend that individuals seeking benefits from the SSA speak with our attorneys and legal staff before making any decision. However, in most situations, it is more advantageous to file an appeal than to submit a new application. If you simply submit another application without any new evidence or supporting documentation to strengthen your claim, there is an extremely high likelihood that the second application will be denied as well.
What Are the Four Opportunities for Appeals for Denied SSD Claims?
If you’ve been denied Social Security disability benefits, you have the right to appeal any decision you disagree with. The appeals process can be complicated, however, and it’s strongly recommended that you seek professional legal counsel to assist you through every stage of the process.
There are four stages of the appeals process, and our disability attorneys will be by your side at every step.
A Request for Reconsideration
The first stage of the appeal process after receiving your initial denial of benefits is to request reconsideration of your application. In a reconsideration stage, other representatives of the Social Security Administration, as well as medical consultants and examiners, review your initial claim to determine whether a mistake was made in denying your benefits. Errors may have occurred, and it could be possible to reverse the initial decision at this stage. Additionally, you can provide new evidence to create a stronger case.
The Administrative Law Judge Hearing Level
If the reconsideration decision doesn’t go your way, the next stage is to have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Administrative Law Judge hearing is the stage of the appeal process where most applicants find success. Still, it’s also one of the first phases where it is crucial to have professional representation in your corner. At the ALJ hearing, your disability attorneys will present your case, advocate on your behalf, and attempt to persuade the judge to make a more favorable decision.
An Appeals Council Review
If the Administrative Law Judge’s decision is not in your favor, the next stage is a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council has the authority to select which cases it decides to review, and there is no guarantee that it will accept your case. If the Appeals Council believes that there was a mistake made in any previous denial of benefits, it could elect to review your request and potentially render a new decision.
A Disability Hearing in Federal Court
Should the Appeals Council stage not result in a favorable conclusion to your claim, the next and final stage is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. At this stage, your disability claim will be reviewed by a federal judge, who then can make a final decision on your case. If the federal court hearing decision is also not in your favor, our lawyers will examine your case and inform you of any potential options you may have in the future.
Contact Us to Schedule Consultation with Our Charlotte Disability Attorneys Today
If you’ve been denied benefits from the Social Security Administration, you have the right to appeal the decision. It’s important to note that there is a strict deadline for appealing denied claims. To file your appeal within the allotted time window, please contact our law firm right away upon receiving your denial notice.
Our disability attorneys work tirelessly to represent the interests of our clients with a focus on making these complex matters easier for them throughout every stage of the claims process. In addition to offering consultations to prospective clients, we also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you won’t owe us anything in legal fees unless and until we secure a favorable resolution to your case.
To get started, please get in touch with our Charlotte disability lawyers and schedule your consultation today. You can reach us at 704-385-5281.