It’s a terrible, unfortunate thing, but many qualified and needful people are denied Social Security Disability. In fact, nearly 70% of all persons filing for Social Security Disability are initially denied and have to work through the complicated, and often very lengthy administrative appeal process. If you’re one of those people, fight back! Many disability applications are denied at first only to be approved later, after an appeal. Learn how to fight disability denial so that you can receive the benefits you deserve.
How To Fight Disability Denial
First, remember to act fast and note important dates. If you want to ask the Social Security Administration to reconsider its decision, you will need to fill out a Request for Reconsideration in many states (available at Social Security offices, online, or by telephone). This form must be completed and received by Social Security within 60 days of the date you received the denial notice, plus 5 days to account for mail service. This date is strict, so take heed of it. If you have a very compelling reason as to why you weren’t able to send in the form on time, you can complete a Request for Good Cause, and the Social Security Administration will decide if that reason is adequate.
Next, note why Social Security denied your first request (their reasoning should be explained in the denial notice) and figure out how to address their concerns this second time around. For example, many people are denied because the Social Security Administration does not believe they are severely or permanently disabled. If this has happened to you and you’re wondering how to fight disability denial, first ask to see Social Security’s medical evidence for your case. Then, you may need to have your doctor submit a report (if they did not send one when you originally applied) or create a supplemental report (if they did).
If your request for reconsideration is denied, or you live in a state that skips that step entirely, learning how to fight disability denial will be a bit more complicated. You will have to ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) by filing a hearing request. Directions for requesting the hearing are spelled out in the denial letter you received. At the hearing, which will probably take place many (12 or more) months later, you can present any additional evidence you have for your case. Although you can represent yourself, you are more likely to be approved if experienced representative services such as those BTS Group, Inc. provides are used.
Now that you know how to fight disability denial, gather more medical evidence to prove your case and file an appeal. The process may be long and exhausting, but if you act quickly and follow Social Security’s rules regarding paperwork and dates, you have a strong chance of succeeding your next time around. If you still have questions call us today at 1-866-441-4BTS (4287) or just contact us here to discuss how to fight disability denial.
