Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that provides much-needed financial help for Americans age 67 and older who are unable to keep working due to a long-term or life-threatening condition. Unfortunately, gaining approval for benefits can be a difficult process, and the majority of applicants have their initial application rejected.
Whether you plan to apply for SSDI benefits or have already had your claim rejected, it is a good idea to seek help from an experienced SSDI lawyer from the Sasser Law Firm, PA. Our team provides full-service representation for disability claims, ranging from the initial application through all levels of appeal and litigation. Our team has litigated Social Security Disability cases all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. As we prepare your appeal, our attorneys can also provide guidance on mistakes to avoid after an SSDI claim denial in Charlotte. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you.
Below are some of the most common mistakes applicants in Charlotte make after a denied SSDI claim that our team can help you avoid.
It may seem easier to just start over after having your initial claim denied. However, reapplying will reset the timeline of your case and may cause you to lose out on back pay you would have otherwise received once you get approval for benefits. By appealing, you will preserve your initial filing date for purposes of back pay. Also, SSDI cases are not set for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge until at least two appeals have been filed. Reapplying will delay the time to get your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
When you receive a rejection for your initial claim, the Social Security Administration will provide reasons for the rejection. An appeal is an opportunity to correct errors or submit supplemental evidence that can result in a successful appeal. It is important to understand the reason for a claim denial before attempting to appeal it.
Applicants may have their claim denied if they did not supply enough or the right kind of medical evidence to show that they have a disability that prevents them from working. If you received a claim denial, it is important to supply that additional evidence when appealing, including any new medical documentation that can support the claim. At the same time, you should not discontinue treatment or fail to follow your provider’s orders, as this may suggest that your condition is less serious than your claim indicated.
As mentioned earlier, most claims are initially rejected. However, the approval rate is significantly higher for appeals. You should not take a rejection as a sign of failure; see it as a setback that you can fix.
Finally, you should not wait too long to appeal. After denial, you typically have 60 days to submit an appeal. Many deserving applicants lose out on benefits simply because they missed a deadline.
A dedicated disability attorney in Charlotte can help solve or prevent most of the SSDI claim denial mistakes discussed above. Even if you submitted your initial application without a lawyer’s help, it is a practical next step to seek representation from an SSDI attorney during the complex appeals process.
This is a time when experience and detailed legal knowledge can be especially useful. Working with an attorney is ultimately a worthwhile investment in the future of one’s financial security.
With more than 30 years of experience, our attorneys at the Sasser Law Firm, PA, have in-depth knowledge of disability law and can advise you on the mistakes to avoid after an SSDI claim denial in Charlotte.
Contact our office today and schedule an initial consultation to discuss next steps if you are filing an initial SSDI application or need to appeal a denied claim.