Social Security Disability benefits provide financial assistance to disabled individuals who are unable to work. Unfortunately, 67% of Social Security Disability applications are denied, preventing disabled individuals from receiving the benefits they need and deserve. Navigating the appeals process is not always straightforward and successfully appealing a Social Security Disability denial requires a tailored legal strategy. For this reason, many individuals turn to experienced Findlay Social Security Disability appeals attorneys for assistance.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we work closely with Social Security Disability applicants to build their cases and submit the strongest appeal possible to secure benefits. We understand the importance of these benefits for so many Findlay workers and provide compassionate and transparent legal guidance at every step of the process. To learn more about how we can help, consider contacting our office at (419) 359-8091 today.
What To Do When You Are Denied Social Security Disability in Findlay
On average, over a million Social Security Disability claims are filed every year. Of these claims, thousands of applications are denied. There are several reasons why an application for disability benefits could be denied, including:
- Insufficient medical evidence.
- The applicant continued to work during the application process and earned too much income to qualify for benefits.
- Failure to provide additional information when requested.
- After the initial application was denied, the applicant reapplied rather than appealing the decision.
Fortunately, if you are initially denied disability benefits in Findlay, you are able to appeal a denial. The following are steps you can take to fight the denial of your request for benefits. First, you have the ability to request a reconsideration of your entire file. If your application is still denied after reconsideration, you can file an appeal and request a hearing for your claim. If you decide to appeal the denial of your application, your claim will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge.
How to File an Appeal for a Findlay Social Security Disability Denial?
You only have sixty (60) days from the date of the denial to file an appeal. If you are within the timeframe to appeal, there are several methods available for appealing a Social Security Disability denial. The first way that you can file an appeal is in person, at the local Findlay Social Security Administration office. If you decide to file in person, ensure that you bring all necessary documentation including a current list of medications, information about all your medical providers, and any additional necessary medical records. Your attorney can work with you to organize and compile all the necessary paperwork to file an appeal in person.
You can also appeal a denial via mail. If you use this method, be sure that you complete the appropriate appeal form, Disability Report – Appeal, and the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration. Your appeal will not be considered complete if any of the necessary paperwork is missing. The Social Security Administration can mail all necessary forms to you if you wish to go this route.
Finally, you can also file an appeal online at the Social Security Administration’s website. The advantage of filing online is that it can only take a few moments to successfully file your appeal. This is generally the easiest and most recommended method. Before sitting down to appeal online, ensure that you have the names and addresses of all medical providers, a list of your current medications, and any other relevant medical information regarding your treatment. Regardless of how you choose to file your appeal, your experienced Findlay Social Security Disability appeals attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA will work with you to complete all necessary forms fully and completely, ensuring that you avoid common missteps that applicants often make during the process.
How Long Does It Take to Appeal A Denial?
A Social Security Disability appeal time can vary, depending on the type of appeal that is filed and the unique circumstances of your case. The first appeal, the Request for Reconsideration, is typically decided anywhere between three to six months. If the Request for Reconsideration is denied and you decide to proceed with the next phase of the appeals process, then you must wait for an in-person or virtual hearing. The average wait time is six months to a year from when the hearing was requested until a hearing is held. After the hearing occurs, you can expect to wait anywhere from a few weeks to three months for a decision.
How Many Times Can You Appeal A Denial?
Many people wonder how many times they can appeal a denial and when it is appropriate to file an entirely new claim. As mentioned, there are different phases of the appeals process as well as certain circumstances where filing a new application may be in your best interest. The four phases of appealing a Social Security Disability denial include the following:
- Request for Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council
- Federal District Court
This means that if your initial application was denied, you have four different opportunities to appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision. Since only 10-15% of cases are approved during the Reconsideration phase, many applicants proceed to at least the second phase of the appeals process. Understanding how to file a strong initial claim as well as the four steps of the Social Security Disability appeals process is key to increasing the chances of your application being approved and successfully receiving disability benefits.
Hiring a Findlay Social Security Disability Appeals Attorney to Help Fight Your Denial
For many Findlay residents, Social Security Disability benefits provide the financial assistance required after being left unable to work due to a disability. Being denied these benefits in Findlay can be stressful and overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for help. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we understand the process of appealing a Social Security Disability denial and know how to secure benefits for our clients as quickly and efficiently as possible. To begin crafting your legal strategy, consider scheduling a free consultation with us at (419) 359-8091 today.
