APPEAL PROCESS - HOW TO GET A DENIED CLAIM APPROVED
It's a fact that Social Security will deny two-thirds of all disability claims filed in Alabama. I am still amazed that people don't know how to get a claim approved after it's been denied. Too many just give up and suffer financially. You don't have to.
If you get a denial letter saying you are not qualified for disability benefits "under our rules," you need to know what to do. This is NOT the final decision. It may not be the RIGHT decision. Here what you should do.
1. File an appeal, also called a "Request for Hearing By An Administrative Law Judge." You must file this in writing and within 60 days of the denial letter. Later is too late. Phone calls to Social Security do not count. File in writing.
2. Begin to collect the medical evidence from doctors, hospitals, clinics, counselors and other providers that will prove your claim. This is a time consuming and expensive chore. If you don't want to undertake it yourself, get an experienced attorney or non-attorney advocate to help you. They won't charge you a fee unless you win.
Caution: It will take 12 to 18 months to get a hearing. So from the time you file your appeal, you will have about a year and a half to gather the records you need for the hearing. But you must request the hearing within 60 days of your denial. This deadline is very strict. If you miss it, you have to reapply and start all over. More wasted time.
If you need help with an appeal--or if you have a hearing coming up--we will be glad to help you. And we never charge a fee (or expense) until you win your case and also collect past due benefits. If you don't win, our work is free. Contact us here in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.
If you get a denial letter saying you are not qualified for disability benefits "under our rules," you need to know what to do. This is NOT the final decision. It may not be the RIGHT decision. Here what you should do.
1. File an appeal, also called a "Request for Hearing By An Administrative Law Judge." You must file this in writing and within 60 days of the denial letter. Later is too late. Phone calls to Social Security do not count. File in writing.
2. Begin to collect the medical evidence from doctors, hospitals, clinics, counselors and other providers that will prove your claim. This is a time consuming and expensive chore. If you don't want to undertake it yourself, get an experienced attorney or non-attorney advocate to help you. They won't charge you a fee unless you win.
Caution: It will take 12 to 18 months to get a hearing. So from the time you file your appeal, you will have about a year and a half to gather the records you need for the hearing. But you must request the hearing within 60 days of your denial. This deadline is very strict. If you miss it, you have to reapply and start all over. More wasted time.
If you need help with an appeal--or if you have a hearing coming up--we will be glad to help you. And we never charge a fee (or expense) until you win your case and also collect past due benefits. If you don't win, our work is free. Contact us here in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.
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