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What is the Social Security disability appeals process?

On Behalf of | Nov 27, 2019 | Social Security Disability |

This blog recently discussed the importance of a Social Security disability hearing. A Social Security disability hearing can be an important component of the Social Security disability appeals process. Applicants for Social Security disability have important appeals rights they should be familiar with if they hope to maximize their chances of successfully receiving the benefits they need.

Social Security disability benefits are important to many disabled individuals and their families, which is why there are several levels of appeal that disabled individuals can exercise if their application for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits has been denied. The first level of appeal is a request for reconsideration. Once a request for reconsideration is made, a different individual than that who made the initial determination reviews the disabled individual’s application for disability benefits.

If the disabled individual’s application for disability benefits is once again denied after the request for reconsideration, there are several other levels of Social Security disability appeals that can be sought out. The next step in the Social Security disability appeals process is a hearing before an administrative law judge. If the disabled individual’s application remains denied following their hearing, then there are two additional appellate options, including a request that the Social Security Administration Appeals Council review the application for disability benefits. The final step option is to file an appeal in federal court.

Many applications for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied, making the appeals process all the more important to understand. Disabled individuals need to know how they can fight for their Social Security disability benefits through the appeals process when needed, which is where the assistance of a skilled legal professional may come into play.