Law

How to Appeal the Denial of Social Security Disability Insurance?

Social Security Disability Insurance income can be a lifeline for injured or ill individuals who are unable to work. Most people submit their applications for the benefit with the hope of being approved. However, if you have been denied, don’t give up! There are several options available to you that may enable you to appeal the denial successfully. First things first! The primary and a very important requirement to appeal the denial of Social Security Disability Insurance is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable Arkansas social security disability attorney.

Appealing the denial of Social Security Disability Insurance is a complicated process, but it is possible. Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that provides financial benefits to people who have disabilities and cannot work. In spite of its intentions, the denial rate for this program is very high. If you have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance, there are a couple of steps you can take to appeal the decision from the government. You should first complete a “Request For Reconsideration” form and submit any new evidence to your local Social Security Administration office.

Let us see more into the details of appealing for Social Security Disability denial.

Four Levels of Social Security Disability Denial Appeal

Many people who apply for social security disability benefits are denied by the Social Security Administration. A person that has been denied benefits may file an appeal of that denial and submit evidence to reconsider their application. Social Security provides four levels of appeals, with the courts being the last level after which there is no other opportunity for review.

The Social Security Administration’s reconsideration level is the first step in a four-step process that allows for an appeal of a denial of benefits. In this step, the individual can present new evidence which may support their claim for benefits. This must be done within 60 days of the original denial. If the reconsideration is not granted, and it was on account of medical issues, then an individual may request an administrative hearing within 30 days of the reconsideration decision. 

Federal courts have the authority to review a denial of benefits, but appeals are very rare. The decision must be made by the Administrative Law Judge who heard the case in the first instance or by a three-judge panel appointed by the Chief Administrative Law Judge.

Here are four levels of social security disability denial appeal:

  1. Reconsideration
  2. Hearing by an administrative law judge
  3. Request for review by the appeals council
  4. Federal court review