Any Chicago disability lawyer can tell you that most claims for Social Security disability benefits are denied at the first two levels of adjudication. If your claim is denied at any level of the process, you have the option of appealing to the next stage within 60 days. You should try to do this as soon as possible to maximize your chances of being approved for benefits.
How Do I File an Appeal?
Your initial response to having your Social Security disability claim denied may be dismay or resignation. However, there is no need to panic or give up. The next step after a denial is to begin an appeal. Once the appeal process has been begun, success depends to a great deal on wise time management and persistence.
The denial letter will contain instructions about how to appeal, and you can ask your Chicago disability lawyer if you have any questions. The first level of appeals is called “reconsideration.” If you are denied at that stage, you can appeal by filing a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge. There are three ways to file an appeal:
- Call the Social Security Administration and have your appeal taken by phone. You will be sent some paperwork through the mail for your signature.
- Visit a local Social Security office to file in person. Bring your denial letter so the representatives can look up your case easily. Make sure to receive a copy of the appeal notice confirming that you filed on time.
- Go online to http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/appeal.html to file an appeal. Print out a copy of your appeal for your records.
What If I Do Not Appeal Within 60 Days?
It is possible to argue that you had good cause to miss the 60-day deadline, but it is likely that you will instead have to start over with a new application.
Contact a Chicago Disability Lawyer
For more information on how to file an appeal for disability benefits, contact a Chicago disability lawyer at Chicago Disability Law. Call us today.
