Did you apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration and have you case denied?

Don't Give Up!
Don't be discouraged if your claim for SSI was initially denied. More than half of SSI applicants are denied Social Security benefits at the initial claim level.

You can request to have the SSA reconsider your claim. The SSA has four levels of appeal, which are listed below.

- Tip: Consider hiring an experienced SSI disability attorney to help you during the appeals process. The chances of having your claim approved increase if you are working with a disability lawyer.

Level 1: Reconsideration

When the SSA informs you via a letter in the mail that your claim was denied, you have 60 days to request for reconsideration. Reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone within the SSA who did not take part in the first decision.

During reconsideration, The SSA reviews your files and looks at any new evidence.

How Do I Complete a Request for Reconsideration?

The Social Security Administration requires you to complete two forms: the Appeal Request form and 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.

Level 2: Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

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.

Do I Need a Disability Lawyer to Appeal MY SSI Claim?

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

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

It usually takes at 2-3 months after the hearing to receive a decision about your SSI claim.

Level 3: Review by the Appeals Council

If your Supplemental Security Income case was denied by the administrative law judge (ALJ), you can request a review by the Appeals Council. Similar level 1 and 2, you must request for a review by the Appeals Council within 60 days.

What Does the Appeals Council Do?
The Appeals Council will look at your case for review. The Appeals Council can 1) deny your request, 2) return your case to the ALJ or 3) approve your claim.

1. Deny your request for review (deny your claim for SSI benefits)
2. Return your case to the ALJ for further review
3. Review your case and approve your claim for SSI benefits--if the Appeals Council disagrees with the ALJ's decision

Once the Appeals Council has made their decision, they will send you a letter.

You can expect to hear back from the Appeals Council within as little as 3 months to as many as 18-24 months.

Level 4: Federal Court

If the Appeals Council's denies your appeal or refuses to review your case, you can file a lawsuit in a federal district court. The Federal Judge can 1) deny you SSI benefits, 2) send your case to a lower court for an additional hearing) or 3) approve your claim for SSI benefits.

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

Social Security Lawyers & SSI Disability Cases:

Applying for SSI benefits with legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving SSI benefits. For example, only 35% of self-filed claims are approved, while 90% of claims filed with legal representation are approved.

When looking for a Social Security lawyer, make sure he or she is reputable, reliable and willing to help you win your case. A good lawyer will have solid recommendations and a success rate of over 70%.