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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has limitations on the amount of money it can release to SSDI recipients. To become a recipient and collect benefits, individuals must prove eligibility by filing required medical and employment documents with their SSDI application. If mishandled, applicants will likely find their claims denied. 

If your SSDI claim is rejected, you can appeal the decision countless times or even file a new claim. In either case, the chances of getting approved after being denied SSDI are still low. Nonetheless, your odds greatly improve by hiring an experienced attorney familiar with SSDI claims. 

Our team at Casa de la Justicia will help determine whether your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Despite previous claims denial, our attorneys could assist you in qualifying. Contact us today at 1-800-840-8080 to schedule a consultation. 

What Happens in the SSDI Appeals Process?

If your social security disability claim is denied, there is a two-step appeals process to follow: 

First, you must file a reconsideration. During this phase, you will offer additional and/or supplementary paperwork that further bolsters your original SSDI claim. With a reconsideration, the material is handled and reviewed by a different SSA staff member than with your original claim. 

If your reconsideration is denied, the second step is presenting your SSDI claim to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in a court hearing. During the hearing, your attorney will submit evidence and arguments proving your eligibility to receive social security disability benefits. 

How Do You Prepare for a Social Security Disability Appeal?  

Although the appeals process is somewhat complex, you can increase your odds of success by organizing your documentation and educating yourself on how the SSA handles disability claims appeals. Even more importantly, you should hire a legal professional to handle the appeals process. 

Retaining a skilled attorney will help to identify deficiencies in your original claim. Most SSDI claims are initially rejected because of insubstantial documentation in regard to medical records and/or employment history. Lawyers like those at the House of Justice will streamline your efforts and ensure proper documentation is provided to support the legitimacy of your appeal. 

Despite thorough preparation, attending legal proceedings is stressful. An attorney can mitigate this anxiety by acting as your representative during the social security disability appeals hearing. They will also help you prepare for questions likely to be posed by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in a court hearing. 

Why is an Attorney Critical for Filing an Appeal with the SSA?  

Simply put, qualifying to receive social security disability benefits is difficult. In fact, approximately 80% of all SSDI application claims are initially declined. And only another 10% of applications are approved upon appeal. Low approval rates indicate that most applicants lack the expertise and resources needed to file a successful claim on their own 

Adept disability attorneys are accustomed to SSA policies and procedures regarding the SSDI appeals process. This experience allows them to anticipate and avoid the usual stumbling blocks that often result in application denials. This is especially crucial during the appeals phase, where the SSA will meticulously review all supporting documents to your claim. 

How Long Does It Take the SSA to Make a Decision in the Appeals Process?  

The SSA does not offer a set timeline when making an appeal decision. In many cases, waiting periods are subject to several different variables. Sometimes the sheer volume of SSDI appeals awaiting decision can cause backups and delays at specific SSA offices. Other times, cases experience clerical setbacks involving missing documents, filing protocols, or authorized signatures.  

Taking into account standard lag periods, the average time for SSDI decisions in different phases of filing and appeals are as follows: 

  • The initial application takes 3-4 months 
  • Reconsideration takes an additional 3-4 months (6-8 months total) 
  • ALJ hearings often drag out an additional 6-24 months (12-32 months total) 

You can accelerate your SSDI appeal by collaborating with an established attorney who can easily navigate your case’s legal work. 

How Many SSDI Appeals Attempts Can I Make?   

Fortunately, there is no limit on SSDI appeals attempts at this time. That being said, you should use some discretion when deciding how to handle future appeals or new claims. Mainly because, the SSA is likely to consider your choice between a new application or appeal when deciding your SSDI eligibility in the end. 

When is it Better to File a New Application Versus an Appeal? 

An appeal is not your only recourse after your social security disability application is denied. In fact, you can actually file an entirely new social security disability claim if you wish. Most applicants are motivated to file new claims when they develop new medical conditions or their current conditions accelerate. Especially when your disability grows progressively worse, filing a whole new claim is sometimes recommended because the turnaround time is much often shorter than when you file an SSDI appeal. 

Need Help Appealing an SSDI Denial? Talk to the House of Justice   

At the House of Justice, our team of Spanish-speaking disability lawyers will ensure that you are accurately and professionally represented when dealing with the SSA. We file applications effectively and verify your eligibility under SSA guidelines promptly. 

The House of Justice only charges fees upon approval by the SSA. Even then, our legal fee is only 25% of your first SSA check.

Contact Us today to get started!

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