DENIALS AND THE NEXT MAJOR STEP

It is certainly discouraging to apply for disability benefits and be denied.  But it happens to over 75 percent of claimants.

Filing a new application will just get you denied over and over.  Your goal is to eventually get your case in the hands of a judge who can make a new and more favorable decision.

How do you do that?  Appeal the denial within 60 days of the date on the denial letter.  Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  After 60 days you lose the right to appeal.  In some cases, you may also lose the right to file a new claim.

Filing an appeal is a relatively easy task that most people can do.  Ask the Social Security office for form SSA-501 - "Request for Hearing By An Administrative Law Judge."  It's a one-page form that can be completed in 3 minutes. 

Once you file the appeal (Request for Hearing), there is a lot of work to be done.  Now, you have to figure out how to win your hearing.  That involves keeping your medical records updated and figuring out how to use Social Security regulations to win your case.

IMPORTANT:  If your application is denied, do not file a new claim.  File an appeal.

Your Goal:  Get your case before a judge.  This is where most Social Security disability cases are awarded.

Need help?  Call us at (256) 799-0297.