YOUR DENIAL IS PROBABLY WRONG!

Roughly 4 out of 10 denials for disability benefits are just plain wrong.  They will be reversed and paid when they reach an administrative law judge.  The problem is, too many people fail to appeal.

If your disability claim was denied, what should you do?  Take the following steps immediately.  There's a 60 day deadline.

1.  File for Reconsideration.  This is the first appeal and it does not take you before a judge.  But it's the required first step.  Social Security will review their decision to see if they can approve your benefits.  (Most of the time they will not).

2.  File another Appeal and ask for a hearing.  This will take you before an administrative law judge for a personal hearing.  You will typically wait a few months for your hearing.  This gives you time to prepare.

3.  Consider Getting an Advocate or Representative.  The hearing is your absolute best chance to be approved.  It only happens once.  To have the best chance, get professional representation.  It won't cost you a cent unless two things happen:

• Your case is approved, and
• You receive back payments

You will be able to sit down with an advocate who understands Social Security disability and discuss your case with no cost, no obligation.  If you are comfortable with the advocate, you may hire him or her to represent you.  If not, you may talk to another one.  

I usually speak to potential new clients for a few minutes over the phone when they call my office.  Then, we may set up an in-the-office appointment here in Huntsville for a further consultation. The potential client has an opportunity to ask me questions, get detailed information, hear my view of the case, etc.  If we agree to work together, I get started on the case right away.