If the Social Security Administration rejected your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, don’t lose hope. The SSA denies applications for a variety of reasons, and it’s possible to appeal their decision and secure the benefits you need. Here are some tips for how to win an SSI appeal.
Discuss Appeal with an Attorney
When you receive a denial notice from the Social Security Administration, you should speak with SSD/SSI appeal lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options for appealing the denial of your disability benefits claim. The Social Security Administration uses a three-stage appeals process for disability claims. First, you can request reconsideration of your application, which allows you to submit additional information to bolster your claim. Next, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, where you can present evidence and arguments and answer questions from the ALJ. If the ALJ rules against you, you can appeal that decision to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council.
Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied
Understanding the reasons for the denial of your disability benefits claim will help you prepare a plan to appeal the denial. For example, the Social Security Administration may have denied your claim due to insufficient medical evidence establishing that you have a qualifying disability or medical condition. When you pursue an appeal, knowing why the Social Security Administration denied your claim will help you focus on gathering the additional documentation or information needed to bolster your application.
File Your Appeal on Time
The Social Security Administration imposes deadlines for pursuing an appeal at each stage of the administrative appeals process. You must file a request for reconsideration, a request for a disability hearing before an ALJ, or a request for Appeals Council review within 60 days of receiving notice of a denial or an adverse decision at a prior level of appeal. Filing an untimely appeal may result in the dismissal of your appeal, requiring you to start your disability benefits claim from the beginning.
File the Correct Paperwork
An appeal of your disability benefits application will require you to submit the correct appeal form, depending on whether you request reconsideration, an administrative law judge hearing, or a review by the Appeals Council. Furthermore, you should ensure that your appeal paperwork includes all necessary supporting documentation to establish your medical or financial eligibility.
Submit Medical Evidence
When you appeal the denial of a Social Security disability benefits application, you can improve your chances on appeal by providing updated or additional medical evidence, including your latest medical records and a new narrative letter from your treating physician. If the Social Security Administration has to rely on medical evidence from your initial application that has become stale, it may deny your appeal without additional evidence.
Be Honest and Transparent About Your Disability
During the appeals process, you may have the opportunity to submit additional information or documentation to support your application or provide testimony to an administrative law judge. You can protect your credibility with a claims examiner or ALJ by providing honest testimony about your disability. Don’t underplay your disability or focus on how you feel on your best days. Conversely, you should not exaggerate or fabricate symptoms of your condition.
Talk to Our Oklahoma Social Security Disability Attorneys for Free
When the Social Security Administration denies your disability benefits claim on initial review, you can pursue the appeals process to supplement your claim and seek approval for benefits. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Social Security appeal lawyers to discuss your legal options for challenging the denial of your disability benefits claim.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
