If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits in Arkansas, it is quite possible that your social security disability claim has been denied. You should know that you’re not alone – nearly 70% of initial applications are denied. So what do you do next?
You can appeal to the Social Security Administration initial decision. Appealing is the process used to have your Social Security Disability claim reviewed again. Just because your claim was denied once does not mean that is the end of the process. New evidence can be submitted. The vast majority of people that eventually receive Social Security Disability benefits in Arkansas have had to appeal at least once.
There are several levels of appeal. Social Security may keep denying your case and you may have to continue appealing. At any point in this process, your claim may be approved. Take these steps:
1. Request for reconsideration.
After your initial application is denied, you can request that Social Security take another look at your application and “reconsider” the decision SSA made to deny your Social Security Disability benefits. The vast majority of these reconsiderations are also denied and will move on to the next level of appeal. Unfortunately, lots of people get frustrated or don’t know there are other levels of appeal and give up. Do not give up.
2. Request a hearing before a judge.
If you lose again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing. You can testify and there may also be experts to testify about your condition and abilities. You need an experienced Social Security lawyer in Harrison Arkansas to help you.
3. Request for review by the appeals council.
If the judge at your hearing denies your claim, then you can ask for a higher level judge at the appeals council to review your file.
4. Suing the Social Security Administration in federal court.
This is the final level of appeal. If you are denied at this level of appeal, your case is likely over and you will not be able to receive benefits on this application. You may still be able to try again and start a new claim.
If your initial Social Security Disability claim has been denied, be sure to contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney in Harrison Arkansas. A SS Disability lawyer will be able to guide you through the steps of your disability appeal. These steps may include gathering and submitting additional evidence, getting medical opinions from your doctors, and reviewing your file to determine the best steps to take to win your appeal.
Social Security Disability law is complicated, and it’s understandable that you may have questions. Call us at 870-741-8100 today and get the opinion of a SS Disability lawyer in Harrison Arkansas about whether you should appeal your denied claim.