Although it may seem like Social Security benefits won’t come once a denial happens, there’s always a new chance in the process. The Social Security Administration allows people to appeal their decision within 60 days from the date a letter of denial is received, at which point the old evidence, as well as any new evidence, will be reviewed once again as part of the reconsideration process.
“Most reconsiderations involve a review of your files without the need for you to be present,” the Social Security Administration’s website said. “But when you appeal a decision that you are no longer eligible for disability benefits because your medical condition has improved, you can meet with a Social Security representative and explain why you believe you still have a disability.”
If the claimant still disagrees, they can go to a disability hearing. If disability benefits are denied again, the next two steps include appeals council and federal court. People that need to get help can get a representative, who cannot collect fees on a case until there is a positive decision from the administration.
It is extremely important for claimants to appeal their unfavorable decisions in a timely fashion. While people can apply for benefits on their own, once they are denied benefits it is advisable to retain the services of an attorney. The data from the SSA indicates that claimants have a better chance to win disability benefits with the services of counsel than if they were to represent themselves.
The Law Offices of Harold W. Conick and Associates is available to represent claimants from the initial application through lawsuits in Federal court.