Handling an SSD Denial in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Ohio
Applying for Social Security Disability can be a confusing process. Many people who experience denied claims make mistakes that cost them the chance to appeal and gain disability benefits. One of these mistakes is filing a second application after the initial application is denied. Completing another disability application will only result in another denial. And it will usually also mean that you give up your right to appeal.
Filing a Request for Reconsideration
If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied after the initial application stage, the next step in some states - including Pennsylvania, is filing a Request for Hearing. But you must act quickly. A request for hearing must be filed within 60 days of the denial.
In most states, including Ohio and West Virginia, it will be necessary to file a Request for Reconsideration. In a Request for Reconsideration, you will ask the SSA for an additional review of your application. Of all the stages in the Social Security Disability process, reconsideration is the one in which you are least likely to be granted benefits. While 60 - 70% of people are denied at the initial application stage, even more are denied at the reconsideration stage. If you are denied at Reconsideration you should then file a Request for Hearing.
If Your Application is Denied
Many people are successful in receiving benefits after appealing their denial and appearing before an Administration Law Judge. If application is denied, you have the right to request a Social Security Disability Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is where you will have your best chance of winning your Social Security Disability case. In fact, in the United States, more than half of all successful claims are won at the ALJ hearing level.
Statistics clearly show that claimants who are represented by an attorney win their benefits far more often than those who try to handle matters on their own. This is true at every stage, from the application to the Social Security Disability hearing.
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits and need to appeal your denial. Contact us today for a free consultation.
