Was your SSDI claim denied? As stressful and frustrating as it can be, you are far from alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that approximately 7 in 10 initial Social Security disability claims are denied. Here is the good news: You have the right to appeal an SSDI denial. You need to be proactive. Within this article, our Rogers Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer provides a guide to the steps that you should take if your SSDI claim was denied.
Step #1: Carefully Review the SSDI Denial Letter
When the SSA denies an initial request for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it does so with a written denial letter. The first step that you should take is preserve and carefully review the denial letter. An SSDI denial letter will provide some critical information about the reasons for your claim’s denial. Understanding these reasons are absolutely essential for preparing a strong appeal—you need to address the reasons for denial directly and firmly in your appeal.
Step #2: Consult With an Arkansas SSDI Appeal Lawyer
SSDI appeals are complicated. You do not have to navigate the system alone. The right legal advocate on your side can make the difference. As this is a time-sensitive process, be sure to speak to an experienced Arkansas Social Security disability appeals attorney as soon as possible after you receive a denial letter. An attorney can review your denial letter and determine what needs to happen next to help you get the best outcome.
Step #3: Gather and Organize Supplemental Evidence
How do you craft a successful SSDI appeal in Arkansas? Submitting the exact same information a second time is unlikely to get you a different outcome. The good news is that you have the opportunity to provide supplemental evidence/information with your claim. Once you understand why your claim was denied, start gathering and organizing supplemental evidence to strengthen your case. Depending on the circumstances, this may include additional medical records, letters from physicians, or financial/legal eligibility information.
Step #4: Submit a Request for Reconsideration
There are multiple different stages to the SSDI disability appeals process. In Arkansas, the first level of appeal is called reconsideration. It involves a complete review of your claim by a person who did not participate in the original decision. As noted above, you can and should submit supplemental evidence along with your request for reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date you receive your SSDI denial letter to file an initial appeal in the form of a request for reconsideration.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Arkansas SSDI Appeals Attorney
At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Rogers Social Security disability lawyers have deep experience handling complex SSDI appeals. If your SSDI benefits were denied, we are more than ready to help you navigate the appeals process.. Contact us today for your free, no obligation case review. With an office in Rogers, we handle SSDI appeals throughout all of Northwest Arkansas.