Tips on Winning My SSDI Reconsideration Appeal
So your claim has been rejected and you’re hoping to seek approval via a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reconsideration appeal. The good news is that the appeals process is not uncommon, whether you’re in Charleston, SC or across the country in Portland, OR. It’s an unfortunate fact that people are rejected for disability benefits every day.
Since the Social Security Administration rejects a majority of disability claims, you’re not alone when it comes to appeals, as rejected applicants are made to go through a four-step appeal process.
But while there is no one right way to get approved, what are some tips for receiving SSDI benefits? Here is what you need to know when it comes to the SSDI appeal process.
Hire a Disability Attorney
The first tip in getting approved during the appeal process is hiring a disability attorney. You may think that this sounds like it will cost a lot of money, but disability lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning that they don’t get paid until you see any of the benefits. So it’s a win-win for you and your attorney in getting you disability benefits. Most often, these attorneys take 25 percent of payback or $6,000—whatever is less. While disability attorney fees may vary, including some costs that they may incur during the process, it’s typically more affordable than ssdi applicants think.
The disability attorney will know exactly what to do for the appeals process, which already gives you a leg up in the journey toward approval. Instead of waiting months during the appeal process, alone and not knowing what’s going to happen, having someone behind your back who works in this field will also give you a great peace of mind in the process.
Request an Appeal in Time
After you receive your rejection decision, you only have 60 days to file an appeal. Appeals sent in after 60 days are most likely dismissed, so it’s very important that you meet this deadline. There are three levels of appeal (reconsideration, ALJ hearing, and Appeals Council review) and each one of these levels requires specific paperwork and forms that need to be filled out.
Craft an Appeals Letter
Note: On the SSA.gov form, it only gives you a few lines to explain why you think you shouldn’t have been rejected, which probably doesn’t seem like enough to explain your condition and situation. However, you are allowed to attach a page with a longer explanation. You’ll just have to write “Please read attached page” or something of that sort to let them know.
However, the way you craft the explanation is very important, as it should include how the SSA evaluated your claim, a description of injury or medical ailment, and specifics from the original claim. A disability attorney will also know other things to include in the appeal process to make your claim stronger.
Get a Letter from Your Doctor
Ask your doctor to write a letter that includes specifics about your condition and how it prevents you from working and performing certain activities. This letter especially has an influence on decisions at the hearing level and actually have proven to help win cases. The best route of action is to have the doctor fill out the SSA’s RFC assessment form, available at your Social Security office.
Be Transparent
These are some tips in the appeal process, but one thing to remember is to always be honest with everything. If you’re holding back on your medical issue, that truth could actually help you in the appeal, so make sure you’re as completely honest as you can be.
There’s a lot to consider in the SSDI appeal process, as it can be overwhelming if you’re not someone who’s familiar with every step of the journey. Hiring a disability attorney helps you know exactly what to expect as well as strategies for securing an approval for disability benefits. Plus, hiring a professional who works in this field every day will give you peace of mind in knowing you’re doing the absolute best you can in helping yourself get the benefits you deserve
More Information
Are you ready to hire a disability lawyer? Are you hoping to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or an injury or illness? Then contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.