One of the most common problems people run into when applying for disability benefits is a denied application. The first disability benefits application is almost always denied. There are several levels of appeal you can go through to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits. Do not hesitate to ask a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal attorney for help.

When to File a Disability Appeal

You can file a disability appeal when your disability benefits application was denied or if your disability benefits were taken away. Not everyone realizes that around 60 percent of initial disability benefits applications are denied. A common reason for filing an appeal is that the initial application was rejected.

Sometimes a disability claim is denied due to a simple missing piece of information. Submitting additional information might be enough to have your disability claim accepted. However, when this does not work, you may need to file a disability claim appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You can do this yourself, or you can contact an experienced Philadelphia disability lawyer. Working with a lawyer can simplify and speed up the overall process. A lawyer can help you find out why your claim was denied and what you can do to strengthen your claim.

Disability Benefits Appeals Process

The levels of disability benefits appeals include reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative law judge, a review by an appeals council, and a federal court review. A reconsideration is a re-review of your disability benefits application. It is important to include updated or additional information when requesting a reconsideration.

Not remedying the cause of your denied application could lead to the same problem of a denied disability claim. Identifying the reason your initial application was denied is vital. Common reasons for denied claims include missing information, a lack of medical evidence, and not meeting eligibility criteria.

Once you know the reason, be prepared to remedy this reason with evidence, additional information, or a defense of your need for benefits. During the reconsideration process, the SSA will look over your application and any new information you submitted. When this fails, you can request a hearing by an administrative law judge.

The judge will look over old and new evidence from your disability claim during a scheduled hearing. You might be asked questions. If this does not work, you can file for a review by an appeals council. An appeals council can deny your request and, in some cases, can send your claim back to an administrative law judge.

The federal court review is the final option of the appeals process. This requires filing a civil action in court. Be prepared to defend your claim with evidence. Talk to a lawyer if you have questions.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Help

You may not have to give up if your initial disability claim was denied. Reach out to a Philadelphia disability lawyer to find out what legal steps to take. Start by calling Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about the appeals process. Our team of attorneys can help you take steps to increase your chances of a successful appeal.