Disability benefits are typically the last line of defense for people in difficult circumstances. They may try seeking out medical treatment to control their symptoms. Some people even change jobs to maintain their financial independence.
For those with truly debilitating medical conditions, maintaining any sort of gainful employment may prove impossible. They may turn to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as a means of covering basic expenses when they finally acknowledge that they cannot continue working.
Applicants requesting SSDI benefits sometimes make the mistake of assuming that they should receive benefits quickly. Unfortunately, denied applications and appeals are relatively common. What does the SSDI appeals process entail?
Applicants can correct mistakes
The first stage of appeal is a reconsideration. Reconsideration occurs internally at the Social Security Administration (SSA). This part of the appeals process can be helpful for those who made errors on their application paperwork or who failed to provide adequate medical documentation.
The applicant can correct mistakes that they made on paperwork and submit additional medical documentation before the reconsideration begins. A different professional employed by the SSA reviews the updated application. In some cases, reconsideration is enough to secure approval for benefits.
Applicants can request a hearing
If reconsideration isn’t successful, then an SSDI applicant can ask for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Hearings can be beneficial in cases where medical testimony and other complex evidence may be necessary to validate a benefits claim.
A judge can review the case thoroughly and determine if the applicant meets the necessary standards to qualify for SSDI benefits. It can take months to secure a hearing, but applicants have an opportunity to secure approval and may even qualify for backdated benefits in some cases.
There are additional options
If an administrative law judge does not rule in favor of an applicant, they still have options for appealing. They can ask for the SSA’s Appeals Council to review the case. If that is unsuccessful, then they may have the option of pursuing litigation in federal district court.
Applicants facing a potentially lengthy and frustrating appeals process typically need support. Those seeking SSDI benefits and appealing unfavorable decisions have the right to retain legal representation. The assistance of a lawyer may be beneficial for those in need of SSDI benefits.