Social Security Disability claim denied? Try this

The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to make sure that your application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is correct and that decisions are made based on factual information. As such, the SSA takes time to carefully consider what is inside each application before making a decision. Not including all pertinent information can hinder an application and result in a denial.

If you are denied SSI and believe you’re entitled to it, you can seek an appeal. Appeals essentially require the agency to look over your application a second time. The agency won’t just look at the parts of the application that were not in your favor, so make sure you include as much information as possible to round out the application and support your claim.

Once your receive a decision about whether or not you’ll be receiving SSI, you can appeal within 60 days if you disagree with the decision. An appeal form may be sent to you if you request it, or you can choose to file an appeal online.

You can ask for a hearing if you are again denied for SSI despite increasing the information you provided to the SSA. In most cases, the hearing takes place within 75 miles of your home. You can bring witnesses to the hearing as well as any and all information that is pertinent to your case. Medical evidence of your disability is important, so it can be beneficial to have witness testimony from a medical provider.

Your attorney can help you prepare for this hearing, so you have everything you need moving forward. The right evidence and support can help you obtain SSI.

Source: Social Security Administration, “The Appeals Process,” accessed Aug. 23, 2017