Most people who apply for Social Security Disability benefits are, in fact, denied. You may have been denied for any number of reasons – often through no fault of your own. For example, you may be denied benefits if your doctor doesn’t know what’s important to your particular claim.
It’s important to contact a lawyer if you’ve been denied. The clock is ticking and you only have a limited time to appeal. The attorneys at George & George can request “reconsideration” of your claim denial. Contact us today!
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a complicated legal process. You must prove you are “disabled” according to the Social Security Disability Program (SSDP) legal definition.
- Physical abilities like walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, or handling
- Seeing, hearing or speaking
- Responding appropriately to supervisors, co-workers and typical work situations, and the ability to understand and complete simple instructions.
- INITIAL FILING: You need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits within a certain timeframe (usually five years) after you’re unable to work. However, every month you wait will reduce the total amount of benefits. If you wait longer than five years to apply, you may not qualify for any benefits. We strongly recommend that you apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you are unable to work.
- APPEALS: The next important deadline is your first appeal. If your initial claim is denied (and most are), you’ll only have 60 days from the date of your decision letter to file an appeal with Social Security. If you don’t file an appeal within 60 days, you give up your rights to the appeals process. Even worse, you’ll have to start the application process all over again. We strongly recommend you engage an attorney to help you file your appeals.
- FEDERAL APPEAL: – If your claim qualifies for benefits, but has been denied on appeal, it can still be appealed outside the Social Security system by appealing to Federal court.
The hearing is also private. The only people present will be the Judge and the Judge’s assistant, you, your attorney, and any witnesses you may want to have present. Often the Judge may ask a vocational expert to testify about your ability to work.
Medical records and medical experts’ opinions will be accepted as evidence. The Judge or your attorney will ask you about your present medical condition, medical history, abilities, education, training, work experience and the limitations in your daily life caused by your disability. You or your attorney may make a closing argument that you are entitled to benefits under Social Security.
At George & George, a lawyer, not a paralegal, will handle your case. If you ever want to talk to your attorney, we’re here to answer any questions. Additionally, we’ll meet with your before your hearing. Most importantly, we’re a local, family-owned business who won’t treat you like a number like some of the larger firms out there.
Yes. At George & George, we have over 60 years of combined experience taking on the Social Security Administration. We take great pride in helping people get the disability benefits they deserve.
If you lose your monthly payments, you must:
- appeal that decision within 10 days and
- request your benefits continue.
You should go to your local office and appeal in person. You should also get a receipt showing you asked that your benefits continue and that it was filed within 10 days.
Failing to appeal.
More than half of all claimants who are initially denied benefits do not appeal their case. Another critical mistake is the failure to immediately get medical care. Medical records are your best defense and are your evidence in disability cases, so it is essential that you see a doctor and continue to do go on a regular basis in order to chronicle the history of your disability.
Contact our office today. We’ll arrange a consultation to determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If you do, we’ll help you start the proceedings for the best chance to win.