Denied Disability in Broken Arrow? First Thing: Ask Why
The disability denial letter you got from Social Security might tell you why they rejected your disability benefits. Or it might just hint at it. Sometimes, the letter doesn’t help much.
You need to study your disability application to see why they think you don’t qualify for benefits. Your Social Security Disability lawyer can identify what was lacking in your application and move to fix it.
Your disability appeal gives you a chance to turn your denial into an approval.
Your disability lawyer checks:
- How to make your application more complete
- Whether you have errors in facts that you need to correct
- If Social Security thinks your health problems aren’t severe enough
- What medical evidence you could add to your file
- If getting more regular medical treatment could boost your case
- Whether part-time or odd jobs are making Social Security think you can work
- If you have a record of working and paying enough into the system for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Whether your household assets are low enough for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- If alcohol or drug problems are causing Social Security to doubt your case
When you file your disability appeal, you can add and update information. This gives you more and better chances at winning benefits.
There are times during the appeals process, however, when you can’t add new information, you can only argue that Social Security made its decision wrong.
You need to look ahead to every type of medical report or other document you might want to get into your file so it’s there when Social Security is making its final decisions.
This is what our disability lawyers do. Talk to us for a free case evaluation.
Get a review of your chances for a disability appeal in Broken Arrow—FREE.
What Does the Social Security Disability Appeals Process Look Like?
When you appeal a disability benefits denial in Broken Arrow (or anywhere), here is what you do:
First, Ask Social Security to Reconsider their Decision
This is done through filing paperwork. Social Security will get a fresh set of eyes on your claim. The reality, though, is that most people still get denied at this step.
Second, Ask for a Hearing with a Disability Judge
This may be the only time you actually talk to someone in person, a Social Security administrative law judge (ALJ). It’s your best chance to tell your story. The wait for your hearing is long, so you want to be well prepared. But this is the step where your odds of winning benefits can go up substantially.
Third, Ask for Social Security’s Appeals Council to Review Your Case
If the judge denies you, you can get this national group to review the judge’s decision. This is much more technical and legalistic. It’s also done through paperwork. You’ll argue that the judge made legal errors in their decision.
TFourth, Appeal Your Disability Case to Federal Court
If the Appeals Council process still doesn’t come through for you, you can take your case outside of Social Security to a federal judge. Again, you’re making legal arguments in filings with the court, not testifying live for the judge.
Appealing can take months. Or if you need to go to advanced stages, years.
This is hard, but here are two signs of hope:
- At your disability judge hearing, step two of appealing, government figures have found that you’re almost three times more likely to be approved if you have a representative like a lawyer with you.
- In the end, after all the waiting, you can get a lump sum of back benefits covering your wait, starting from the date that Social Security eventually decides you first qualified for benefits. This can be substantial amount.
Because of the 60-day deadline, don’t wait to start your disability appeal.
When you live in Broken Arrow, Troutman & Troutman is here for you.
In a difficult time in life, let’s get you a fresh shot at financial peace.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »
