Appeals

When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, there is a good chance your claim will be denied. Yet, more than 70% of claimants who were denied at first are awarded benefits at the administrative level of the Social Security disability appeals process. What does this mean? It means you shouldn’t give up on getting the benefits you deserve. To maximize your chances with a Social Security Disability appeal, work with a Social Security Disability attorney. Casey Cox Law Office has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the Social Security appeals process.

Why Would Your Claim be Denied?

When it comes to your claim being denied, your first question will likely be: “why?” To answer that, let’s delve a little more into the two disability programs the Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees.

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries qualify for benefits based on work credits they earned. You earn credits by contributing to the Social Security fund through taxes on wages or self-employment income. To be eligible, you typically need a minimum of 20 work credits (five years of work).

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients qualify based on financial need. Beneficiaries must have minimal resources or income. Eligibility does not depend on work credits.

Both SSDI and SSI recipients must also qualify by the SSA’s unique definition of disabled. Whether you apply to receive benefits from SSDI, SSI, or both, you need to qualify for each program’s respective requirements, as well as the SSA’s disabled definition.

Given the requirements, many applications are denied due to insufficient medical evidence or issues with your income. However, technical errors can also cause issues. With the help of an attorney, they can review your denial, help you correct mistakes, and be with you every step of the way to get you the benefits you deserve.

Basics of Social Security Disability Appeal Process

The Social Security Disability appeal process has four levels:

  • Request for Reconsideration. This is the first level of the appeals process, and entails a complete review of your claim by someone who was not involved in the initial decision. Your original evidence is reviewed along with any new evidence you provide.

  • Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If the Request for Consideration is denied, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where you get to present your evidence before a judge who will issue a ruling.

  • Review by the Appeals Court. If you receive a denial from the ALJ, you may ask the Appeals Court for a review. At this stage, the Appeals Court may remand your case back to the ALJ for a new hearing or deny or reverse the unfair decision.

  • Federal Court. If you still have not received a favorable decision, the final level is to file a lawsuit in Federal District Court.

The complexity of the Social Security Disability process makes the task of pursuing claims through all the levels of appeals not an easy one. That’s where Casey Cox Law office can lend a hand. I will ensure you are prepared for each step, guide you through the appeals process, and fight for you.

Casey Cox is Here for You

If your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits was denied, your case isn’t over. I am here to assist you through the Social Security appeal process, no matter what stage you are in. Let me be your ally. Contact me or call me at 1-800-457-3683 today.

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Casey Cox Law Office specializes in Social Security Disability Legal Representation. Fighting for your disability benefits and providing excellent customer service every step of the way are my top priorities at Casey Cox Law Office.

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Client’s Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year. Casey Cox Law is a 5-Star Rated Disability Lawyer.

“I have had the pleasure of having Casey as my Social Security Attorney since 2014. He has worked relentlessly for years to get me my full SSDI. As long as I wanted to fight for my benefits, he was there to do the work around the clock. Casey is very reliable, responsible, dedicated, knowledgeable, committed and a great communicator. He kept me updated on any and all correspondences. Because of his work ethics, WE WON MY CASE! If you are searching for a great Lawyer, look no further, Hire Casey today. I have referred him to my friends and family for their legal advice. Remember, don’t miss an opportunity to HIRE A GREAT LAWYER. A+”

LeTresha, Hired Lawyer