Appeals are an important part of the Social Security Disability (SSD) application process. If a person applies for disability benefits but does not receive them, it is their right to appeal that decision. Appealing can take a long time, which is why most attorneys suggest that you go over your documents carefully before submitting your initial application.
Even when you are cautious and believe you’ve done everything right, it’s possible that you could end up with a denial letter in your hands. If that happens, then you’ll want to go through the appeals process step-by-step.
In the appeals process, there are four stages. These include:
- Seeking a reconsideration
- Appealing through an administrative law judge hearing
- Appealing through the Appeals Council review
- Going to federal court
Many people have their cases approved during the reconsideration phase. During this phase, you can ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reconsider your claim. You have 60 days to do this from the time you received the denial notice.
After this, if you do not get an approval, you can appeal through a hearing. You need to request a hearing within 60 days of the reconsideration determination.
If you don’t agree with the outcome at your hearing, then you can move on to asking the appeals council to rule on your case. Again, you have 60 days to seek this support.
Finally, if you don’t agree with the appeals council, you can turn to the federal court for help. You have 60 days from the time of the Appeals Council action to seek your claim through federal court.
This may seem complex, but this number of appeals makes it much simpler for you to appeal and continue to keep your case open, rather than restarting the application process.
