SSI or SSI APPEALS PROCESS: STAGES OF YOUR CASE

Did you know ? Fewer than 30 percent of all initial applicants receive benefits the first time they apply. This is extremly frustrating and discouraging. Many people mistakenly believe they are not eligible and give up! However, the appeals process is where most claims are actually GRANTED. This is where the attorney makes a huge difference in your case--the APPEAL PROCESS.

Here is a summary of the disability application of all the stages of a SSDI or SSI appeal.

Many of our clients are surprised to learn that approximately 70 percent of all SSD claims are denied upon the initial application. We can help you complete the application and file it with the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

This step in the process is exactly what the name implies. In all but the 11 states that do not have a reconsideration step, the SSA literally reconsiders the claim, starting at the beginning of the process with a different claims examiner. If you do not know whether you are in a state that has reconsideration, contact an attorney to learn more. 

If your claim is denied at the initial application and reconsideration stages, we will petition for a hearing with an administrative law judge, and we will represent you at this hearing, where we will show why you are eligible for benefits. 

After the hearing, if you are still denied benefits, we will determine whether an appeal is appropriate for your case. Under the new rules, it may be beneficial to simply file a new claim rather than appeal. We will closely examine your situation and the ruling of the administrative law judge to determine what strategy is best for you. 

Wherever you are in the process, our social security benefits lawyers will help make the best case for you, so you can get the benefits you need.