If your initial claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied, the truth is, this is par for the course. Statistically, less than 35 percent of those who claim are approved outright. There are many reasons for this, perhaps your income exceeds that which is allowable under the rules or maybe your disability is not expected to last a full 12 months, which is another rule. Regardless of why your claim was not approved, a disability lawyer in Aurora may be able to help you win on appeal.
The Administration has established a number of levels of appeal that you can use in an effort to have the initial decision to deny benefits overturned. This is definitely when a lawyer that specializes in Social Security disability appeals can be of significant help. It is not easy to have the denial of benefits overturned, but a seasoned lawyer can most certainly tilt the odds of success in your favor.
Although you can take a case all the way to Federal Court if you are not satisfied, the majority of claimants win before that stage is reached.
- Reconsideration: This is the first stage of the appeals process; it is no more than a formal request for the SSA to reconsider their decision. Only about five percent of claims that were initially denied are approved at this stage.
- Hearing: If your request for consideration also resulted in denial, you have 60 days to request a hearing in the presence of an Administrative Law Judge. It is at this stage when a disability lawyer in Aurora is almost a necessity.
Hearings are held reasonably close to where you live, this makes it reasonably convenient for you to attend the hearing along with your lawyer. By the time you actually are questioned by the AKJ, your lawyer will have provided any additional information that is available to support your appeal and you will have been made aware of what to expect and what questions you might be asked.
Administrative Law Judge’s grant about two-thirds of the appeals that come in front of them. If for whatever reason, your appeal is not granted you can ask the Appeals Council to step in and review your case.
If your application for Social Security disability benefits is denied it is in your best interest to hire a knowledgeable disability lawyer in Aurora. For a free initial consultation, you are invited to contact The Law Offices of Rabin, Kodner & Brown.
