Seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is a stressful process. Disability benefits partially replace the wages lost due to a disabling condition. But, unfortunately, disability claims are generally denied.
The good news is that there are steps to appeal. A knowledgeable and experienced SSDI attorney can take steps to make things right for you. Getting a better result is possible, but your best chance comes with hiring a Kansas City SSDI appeals lawyer. Schedule an initial consultation with BurnettDriskill, Attorneys to learn more today.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) could provide numerous reasons for rejecting an application for SSDI benefits. Some of these issues are minor and can be addressed, while others lead to instant disqualification. A Kansas City SSDI appeals attorney could appeal any of the following:
It is important to let experienced legal counsel review the reasons given in the denial letter and decide the best course of action. Get in touch with BurnettDriskill, Attorneys today to secure dedicated advocacy for your case.
While appeals follow a single path, the decision can be appealed at multiple levels. An SSDI or disability appeals lawyer in Kansas City could fight for a fair outcome on your behalf.
The first step involves requesting that the original decision be reviewed by a different examiner within the SSA. Instead of starting from scratch, they examine the original decision for errors. Many appeals at this level are unsuccessful.
Applicants have an opportunity to provide additional information to strengthen their case. However, there is no hearing where they can make an argument before the examiner. Anyone wishing to pursue this option has 60 days from when they received their denial letter to do so.
A critical step is the administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing, which occurs following reconsideration. An ALJ will review the case and listen to testimony. The applicant can present any additional evidence they might have.
Many successful appeals take place here, but individuals must ask for a hearing within 60 days of formally rejecting their request for reconsideration.
While many claims are resolved during the first levels of review, there are higher stages for claims that are denied again. The SSA Appeals Council is the final opportunity to review a case before filing a lawsuit in federal court.
If the Appeals Council does not overturn the denial, the next step involves a lawsuit in federal court. At this level, a federal judge has the power to review all the proceedings held by the Social Security Administration to determine whether any mistakes were made.
If your claim for disability benefits was denied, you still have options available to pursue benefits. The appellate process can help you get the desired outcome, but that does not mean it will be easy.
A Kansas City SSDI appeals lawyer with BurnettDriskill could take the stress of dealing with your denied claim off your shoulders. Reach out to our law office right away to schedule your initial private consultation with our professional legal team.
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