Did you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have you case denied?

Don't Give Up!
Don't get discouraged if your initial claim was denied. The SSA denies the majority of initial applications and you can appeal the SSA's decision.

Your chances for approval are greatly increased with the help of a disability lawyer. Consider hiring a disability attorney or lawyer to help you with the appeals process.

Below are the SSA's four stages of appeal:

1. Reconsideration
2. Administrative Hearing
3. Appeals Council Review
4. Federal Court

Step 1: Reconsideration

After you have filed for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter informing you of their decision.

If your case was denied, you have 60 days to request for reconsideration. Reconsideration is the first step of the appeals process.

When you complete a request for reconsideration, an examiner who did not work your claim will evaluate your file and determine if your initial denial was made in error. However, since reconsideration is conducted within a department at the Social Security Administration, claims are rarely approved at this step of the appeals process.

How Do I Complete a Request for Reconsideration?

The Social Security Administration requires you to complete two forms for a consideration:
- The Appeal Request form
- The Appeal Disability Report.

You can find both forms online from SSA's website. If you do not want to use the online appeal process, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security Office.

Step 2: Administrative Hearing

If your claim is denied after reconsideration, you have 60 days to request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). An ALJ will reconsider your case.

During a hearing, you will be able to present your disability claim and make your case. The judge will ask you questions and witnesses (such as your doctor) may be called to testify on your behalf.

Do I Need a Lawyer at my Administrative Hearing?

It is highly suggested that you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to represent you at a hearing. Social Security lawyers are experienced with SSDI claims and the appeal process. He or she will come to your hearing before an administrative law judge and clarify information about your medical condition(s), making your case for SSDI benefits stronger.

When Will the Administration Law Judge Announce His Decision about My SSDI Claim?

The judge will make a determination and notify you of his decision in writing 2-3 months after the hearing.

Step 3: Appeals Council Review

If your case was denied by the administrative law judge (ALJ), you can request a review by the Appeals Council. You have 60 days to request for a review by the Appeals Council.

The Appeals Council will review of your claim, review the decision made by the ALJ and review the evidence presented at your Administrative Hearing. The Appeals Court will then make a decision.

The Appeals Council has the power to deny your request for review (deny your claim for Social Security Disability benefits), request additional information, send your case to the ALJ for reevaluation or approve your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

It can take the Appeals Council anywhere from 3 months to 24 months to make a decision. Once the Appeals Council has made their decision, they will send you a letter.

Step 4: Federal Court

If you disagree with the Appeals Council, you can file a lawsuit in a federal district court. The Federal Judge can deny you SSDI benefits, send your case to a lower court for an additional hearing or approve your claim.

1. Deny your claim for Social Security benefits (this is a final decision and cannot be appealed further)
2. Return your case to a lower court
3. Approve your claim for Social Security benefits

Social Security Disability Lawyers & SSDI Cases:

Applying for SSDI benefits with legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving SSDI benefits. SSDI lawyers are familiar with the processes and practices of applying for Social Security Disability benefits and appealing the SSA's decision. A lawyer can help you gather convincing evidence and help you win your case.