Most people don’t even think about applying for disability benefits until they have exhausted every other option available to them. Although workers contribute to Social Security with every paycheck they earn, they often do not want to request disability benefits.
By the time someone actually decides to apply, their situation could be relatively dire. They may have been unable to work for weeks and may have mounting financial obligations. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide a degree of financial relief for people unable to work.
While SSDI is not particularly generous, benefits can make all the difference for those with medical challenges that prevent them from continuing to earn an income. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) rejects many applicants when they apply. People may need to appeal to get benefits. What does the appeals process typically involve?
Applicants must request an appeal
Appeals are not automatic. Those who do not formally request an appeal simply do not receive benefits. Those who believe that the SSA made a decision in error can initiate an appeal. That process begins with the evaluation of the letter sent by the SSA. Applicants need to know whether mistakes in their paperwork or inadequate medical records caused the denial of their application. They can then correct those issues.
There are four stages of appeal available
The first step in the appeals process involves a reconsideration. Another SSA employee reviews the corrected paperwork and medical documentation submitted by the applicant. In some cases, that employee may determine that the denial of benefits was the wrong decision. Approximately 2% of applicants end up receiving their benefits after an internal reconsideration.
If the reconsideration isn’t successful, then the next step is a hearing. The applicant and their lawyer can gather medical evidence and possibly even arrange to have witnesses testify in front of an administrative law judge. The goal is to convince the judge that the person’s condition meets the necessary standard for SSDI benefits. Approximately another 8% of applicants get benefits after a hearing in front of a judge.
There are two more stages of appeal possible if reconsideration and a hearing aren’t successful. Applicants can take their case in front of the Appeals Council. They could also sometimes take legal action in the federal district courts. Such cases are so rare that they do not significantly influence statistics for SSDI claims.
Those preparing to apply for SSDI benefits may find that having help from the earliest stages may increase their chances of success. Even those who have applied on their own have the option of securing representation as they prepare to appeal. Having the right assistance when seeking SSDI benefits can make all the difference. Applicants who have help are less likely to make small mistakes that leave them unable to secure the benefits they require.