You should file an appeal if your application for SSDI or SSI benefits has been denied. The notice you receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA) denying or terminating your benefits will include information on how to appeal the decision. You must appeal in writing within 60 days of the date that you receive the notice. If you are applying for benefits or appealing a denial of benefits in southern California, it’s imperative to have the help and guidance of an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney. Don’t wait to make the call, because you could be looking at a lengthy process.
In California, the several steps of the SSDI and SSI appeals process are:
- A reconsideration of your initial SSDI or SSI application
- A hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ)
- An appeal of the ALJ’s decision through the Social Security Appeals Council
- A legal appeal in a Federal District Court
If your initial application is denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter’s date. If you aren’t working with an attorney from the beginning, you really must obtain legal guidance at this point. The Social Security Administration may want to send you to a “consultative evaluation.” Do not respond to that before speaking with an attorney. A good Social Security disability lawyer will make sure that you receive the medical attention and treatment you need. Reconsideration typically takes from two to four months. Many claims are nevertheless denied.
The next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge, and it can take up to a year to get a hearing date. During that time, you should be establishing your medical record while your attorney compiles additional evidence on your behalf. Perseverance often pays off; many applicants are awarded benefits by ALJs, but if you do not prevail in your hearing with the ALJ, several more options are available. If you need to receive SSDI or SSI benefits in southern California, don’t wait another day to obtain the advice and legal services you need. Call an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney today.