Did you know that around 90 percent of disability applications are denied at the initial stage?
Fortunately, if that happens, it isn’t the end of the road. You can appeal the decision – and the Mountain West team is here to help. We know the ins and outs of contesting a denial of disability benefits, and we’ll work hard to secure you an approval.
The Disability Appeals Process
Learning that your application for disability benefits has been denied can be disheartening, but you can challenge the decision – and you have more than one opportunity to reverse the denial. In fact, the appeals process has four stages:
Reconsideration
In the event your initial disability application is denied, you can request a reconsideration, or a review of your case by a claims examiner who wasn’t involved in the decision. You have just 60 days to take action, and you must make the request in writing.
Disability Hearing
If your disability claim is denied at the reconsideration stage – a common result – you can ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. You have a 60-day window to request a disability hearing, and the proceeding may take place in person or via video conference.
Appeals Council
The judge may agree with the initial decision, but you won’t learn if you’ve been denied for disability benefits right away. You’ll receive notice of the hearing decision in the mail, and at that point, you have 60 days to ask for a review from the Social Security Appeals Council.
Federal District Court
If the Appeals Council issues an unfavorable decision in your disability case, you have one option – filing a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court. You must do so within 60 days, and the end result may be an approval for benefits, a dismissal of your claim or an order for a new hearing.
Don’t Miss Deadlines for Social Security Disability Appeals
The Social Security Administration is very strict when it comes to the time limits for disability appeals – and if you miss a deadline, you’ll have to start over from square one. This can be devastating, particularly if you’re years into the process of trying to obtain disability benefits.
If the deadline for appealing a denial has passed, you can try making a good cause statement that explains your reason for being late. But, you must have a legitimate reason, such as a serious illness or a death in the immediate family, to extend the appeal deadline.
Let the Mountain West Team Help with Your Disability Appeal
At Mountain West Disability, our advocates and attorneys have years of experience appealing disability claims – and we’ve helped hundreds of people secure the benefits they need. We’re ready to put our expertise to work for you, and we won’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
For more information on how we can help with your disability appeal, or to arrange for a free case evaluation, contact our office in Murray, Utah, today.
