Social Security Disability benefits are federal financial assistance provided to disabled individuals who are unable to support themselves due to their disability. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a stringent application process in place to prevent fraudulent claims.
Due to the complexity of the filing process, many claimants who are legitimately disabled are denied benefits every year. In the fiscal year of 2022, over 60% of initial claims were denied, and over 80% of disability reconsiderations were denied when individuals tried to appeal.
The unfortunate truth is that not only is it difficult to get approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with an initial application, but the chances of winning a disability appeal are even lower.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning A Social Security Appeal
When going through the appeals process for SSDI, you begin by filing a reconsideration. An SSDI reconsideration involves resubmitting your claim to the SSA.
There are ways to improve your chances of being approved for reconsideration, some of which are listed below.
- Understand why your initial claim was denied; was it due to improper filing or lack of medical evidence?
- File on time. There are strict limitations surrounding the Social Security Disability appeals process. You have 60 days from the date you receive a written notice of denial to submit a request for reconsideration. Reconsideration requests are filed online.
- Provide more substantial and convincing medical evidence to support your disability claim when you resubmit, such as evidence that points to the worsening of your condition.
- Include an appeals letter explaining why you think the SSA made a mistake in denying your claim.
- Hire an attorney. Your chances of winning disability with a lawyer are much higher than if you represent yourself. If you’re filing an appeal, a qualified disability lawyer in Norfolk, VA can help you through every step of the process.
If you’re considering appealing a denied SSDI claim, you may be asking, How long does a disability appeal take? The answer will vary from case to case, but unfortunately, the appeals process is lengthy. Applicants can wait anywhere from a few months to over a year for a final decision on their claim, depending on how far down the process they have to go.
Contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group Today
If you’re struggling to prove disability and need to file an SSDI appeal with the Social Security Administration, reach out to the disability attorneys at O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group today. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of filing your SSDI claim, or are trying to file a reconsideration request, our experienced legal team is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation, and allow us to help improve your chances of winning an appeal.