Being denied disability benefits can be a frustrating and stressful experience. No matter how compelling your claim is or how serious your disability may be, denials are still possible.
Fortunately, receiving a denial letter or notification is not the end—there are several steps you can take to appeal the decision and receive the benefits you deserve. If you aren’t sure what to do if your disability claim is denied, consider taking the following actions.
Submit a Reconsideration Request
After a denial, you’ll be sent a letter outlining the reasons why your disability benefits were denied. This is your opportunity to fill out the reconsideration form and submit it. Once received by the SSA, they’ll review your file again.
However, there’s no guarantee that they’ll approve your disability benefits this time. After this rejection, it’s time to move on to the appeal process.
Don’t Wait to Act
The moment your reconsideration request is denied, it’s in your best interests to act quickly and arrange for an appeal as soon as you can. When your Social Security disability benefits are denied, you only have a 60-day timeframe to file your appeal, meaning that the faster you can submit your appeal, the better. Additionally, the earlier you submit your appeal, the sooner the process can get started.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
One of the best things you can do, if you haven’t already, is reach out to a legal professional who specializes in disability denial. A disability lawyer who has extensive experience helping past clients can make the entire process a lot easier. They use their background and knowledge of denials to help disability claimants navigate the complexities of appeals and other aspects of claim denials that can be difficult to approach without the right background.
Obtain New Medical Documentation
Insufficient medical evidence is one possible reason why a claim can be denied. To strengthen your case, obtain new medical records and test results that can serve as objective evidence. Reach out to your doctor or medical provider for a testimonial and residual functional capacity form (RFC), which demonstrates how your disability prevents you from carrying out your work responsibilities.
Appeal With an Administrative Law Judge
Now that you’ve gathered additional evidence and have the support of a legal professional, you can have a much higher chance of filing a successful appeal. During the appeal process, you’ll have a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ).
The judge’s decision to overturn the denial is made based on the evidence you submit and the testimony you and other witnesses provide, which is why speaking with a disability attorney and proper preparation is incredibly beneficial for strengthening your case. Again, don’t forget about the appeal deadline.
If You Need to Speak With an Experienced Disability Lawyer, Call Rosen Moss Snyder LLP
Were you denied the SSDI benefits you needed to cover your long-term disability? The legal professionals at Rosen Moss Snyder LLP will use their years of long-term disability experience to fight on your behalf and support you throughout the appeal process. To speak with a long-term care lawyer and learn about the complexities of social security administration and insurance companies, schedule a consultation today.