Social Security Benefits: Filing An Appeal For A Denied Claim

Being unable to work because of a disability can be a daily struggle. There are millions of Americans who find themselves unable to pay their bills after unexpected serious injuries keep them from returning to their jobs. Fortunately, Social Security provides benefits for disabled and elderly citizens who are unable to earn a substantial income.

However, not everyone who needs these benefits always gets them. According to the Social Security Administration, only about 45 percent of total claims were accepted between 2001-2010. Only 28 percent of the accepted claims were awarded benefits at the initial level, without requiring an appeal.

What Should I Do If My Claim Was Denied?

If your claim for SSD or SSI benefits has recently been denied, don't get too discouraged. The majority of initial claims are denied, but that doesn't mean you won't get the benefits you need. It's important to stay persistent and to file your claim for an appeal as soon as you possibly can. The sooner you appeal, the sooner you can receive the benefits you need.

At this stage, it's important to familiarize yourself with what it takes to file a successful Social Security disability appeal. In Pennsylvania, you'll be required to apply for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing can be intimidating if you don't know what to expect or what's required of you, but having a lawyer greatly increases your odds of success.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me?

In most cases, having a Social Security benefits lawyer by your side is the best way to get you through the appeals process as quickly as possible. Many people wait until they're deep into the process to hire representation, but having the right lawyer in the early stages can help you receive your benefits without complications.

However, legal representation can be useful regardless of where you are in the process. In addition to ALJ hearings, a benefits lawyer can help with:

• Initial claims for Social Security benefits
• Making sure paperwork is properly filled out and filed on time
• Helping to gather necessary medical evidence
• Reviews by the Appeals Council of an ALJ's ruling
• Appeals in federal district court after being denied by the Appeals Council.
• Helping you apply for other benefits you may qualify for, such as Workers' Comp

Don't worry about how you will afford legal fees. At Monheit Law, we offer free initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing unless we successfully help you receive your benefits.

Why A Claim Might Be Denied

Most denied claims are because of insufficient documents or insufficient medical evidence. It's extremely important to seek medical care for your disabling injury and to make sure you properly provide documentation of that care when you're filing your claim or appeal.

Some applicants get their claims denied because of a failure to provide treatment info, even though the evidence may have been in their favor. It's important to note all medical care you have received since the approximate onset of your disability.

It's also very important to be open and detailed with your doctor. Make regular appointments and tell him how your disability is affecting your day to day life. A lack of communication could keep your doctor from understanding the full extent of your injuries, which could hurt your chances of receiving benefits.

If you're not sure if you have what you need for a successful appeal, your lawyer can help by reviewing your evidence and helping you fill in any gaps. We understand that most families don't have the time or resources to undergo a lengthy appeals process. This is why we take pride in fighting for injured workers and helping them provide all of the medical evidence they need to get through their appeals quickly and without headaches.