Social Security disability benefits are an important safety net to millions of Americans who are injured and unable to work. If your disability claim for benefits has been denied, this does not mean that you are not entitled to benefits. By law, you can appeal a denied claim three or four times depending on the state that you live in.
At Dayes Law Firm PC, our Phoenix Social Security Disability attorneys have years of experience challenging denied disability benefits claims in Phoenix. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with the appeals process.
Four Levels of Appeal
The first appeals stage in most states, is called the reconsideration review. At this stage, a disabled person can request a review of their claim within 60 days of the denial.
The second stage of appeal if the reconsideration review fails, is a disability benefits appeal process hearing in front of the administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing must be requested within 60 days of the denial at the reconsideration review stage.
If the ALJ hearing is unsuccessful, the third appeal stage is the Appeals Council which will review the ALJs decision to deny your claim.
The disability benefits appeals council will either reverse the denial, deny the claim, or ask the judge to reconsider and hold a second hearing.
If the Appeals Council denies the disability claim, the injured worker may then file a lawsuit in federal district court.
A lawsuit cannot be filed until all of the administrative options have been exhausted. A Social Security Disability appeals process can take many months. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, however, you can streamline the entire process.
Your Social Security Disability Lawyers
The disability benefits attorneys at our firm will walk you through all of the steps require to get your benefits. The appeals process can be long and difficult, but you are not alone.
Call 1-800-503-2000 to get started.