What To Do if Social Security Disability Is Denied?

If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application has been denied, don’t worry; you still have options. With decades of experience handling disability claims, we understand the system’s intricacies and are dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you rightfully deserve.

At Pilzer Klein, our Greenville, SC, Social Security disability lawyers can guide you through the necessary steps to successfully go through the appeals process after the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your benefits. Read on to learn more about the steps to take after being denied Social Security disability benefits.

Determine Why Your Application for Social Security Disability Benefits Was Denied

The SSA denies thousands of applications for disability benefits every year, so don’t get discouraged. The most important step after you’ve been denied benefits is to determine why your claim was denied. Usually, the SSA will tell you why your claim was denied, but knowing the common reasons for denial can help you get a better insight into your situation:

• Insufficient medical evidence: One of the most common reasons for denial is a lack of comprehensive medical evidence that supports your disability claim. The SSA requires detailed medical records, test results, and physician statements that prove the severity of your medical condition and its impact on your ability to work.
• Not meeting medical criteria: To qualify for disability benefits, your medical condition must meet the criteria outlined in the SSA’s Blue Book. Your application may be denied if your condition doesn’t match the required criteria.
• Earning too much income: Social Security Disability benefits are typically reserved for individuals who can’t perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to disability. If your gross monthly earnings exceed the SGA threshold set by the SSA, your application could be denied.
• Short-term disability: Social Security Disability benefits are meant for long-term disabilities that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. If your condition is expected to improve quickly, your application might be denied.
• Lack of work credits: Social Security Disability benefits require you to have earned enough work credits through your employment history. You may have been denied benefits because you haven’t earned sufficient credits.
• Substance abuse: Disabilities resulting from substance abuse may lead to denial, as the SSA may determine that treatment could lead to improved functioning.

These are only a few reasons for denial, so the reason your application was denied may not be listed above. But our team of Greenville, SC, Social Security disability lawyers can help you determine the reason your application was denied. 

What Are the Paths You Can Take After Your Disability Benefits Are Denied?

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, it’s important to know that the process isn’t over. You have several options to pursue, and each step is designed to allow you to present additional evidence and arguments to support your claim. Here are the main options available to you after a denial:

Filing a Request for Reconsideration

After a denial, you can file a request for reconsideration. If the SSA grants your request, they’ll review your case and any additional evidence you provide. You can submit additional medical records, treatment information, or other evidence that may not have been included in your initial application. 

Remember that most requests for reconsideration are also denied, but this step is necessary to move forward in the appeals process. You must file your request within 60 days of receiving your denial.

Requesting a Hearing

If the SSA denies your request for reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the stage where you can present your case in person and provide testimony. During the hearing, you can explain how your medical condition affects your ability to work and address any concerns the SSA raises. 

Having a Greenville, SC, Social Security disability attorney at this stage is highly recommended, as an experienced attorney can help you prepare, organize your evidence, and present a compelling case to the ALJ.

Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ makes an unfavorable decision, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. While the council reviews ALJ decisions, they may deny your request, send your case back to the ALJ for review, or decide your case themselves. 

It’s important to note that this stage can take significant time, and the council may not grant every appeal. However, a skilled Greenville, SC, Social Security disability appeals attorney can help you through this process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer From Pilzer Klein Help You?

Hiring a Social Security disability lawyer can make your case less stressful and give you a better outcome. Here are a few benefits of working with our team of Social Security disability attorneys in Greenville, SC:

Our Firm Is Dedicated to Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is the only case type we take because it’s all we do. By only practicing Social Security Disability law, we’ve been able to help our clients get the benefits they need for over 35 years. 

With over 50 years of combined experience, our Social Security disability attorneys have created a way to personalize a strategy that fits your case to help you receive your benefits. A strong case is one of the most important aspects of a disability benefits case, and we’re ready to help you build yours. 

We’re Qualified To Take Your Case to Federal Court

Our attorneys are well-versed in Social Security Disability law. And we’re also qualified to take your case past the appeals process if your case isn’t successful after the appeals council review. You should know that a federal court review isn’t part of the administrative review process. 

If necessary, we can take your case to a federal court, where we’ll present your case and help you obtain your benefits. Most Social Security disability lawyers don’t go past the standard appeals process, but we do, and we’re successful.

Local Experience With Social Security Disability

We’re a local Social Security Disability law firm that serves clients locally. Since we’re a local firm, we know the ins and outs of local disability benefits laws in whichever state you’re in. 

By hiring our local Social Security disability lawyers from our law firm, you won’t have to worry about your attorneys potentially delaying your case because we’re local, not national. 

Call Pilzer Klein to Learn More About What To Do if You’ve Been Denied SSDI Benefits

Pilzer Klein is dedicated to helping our clients live comfortably after they can’t work anymore. We are passionate about helping you receive your Social Security disability benefits. 

Our Greenville, SC, attorneys will help you know what to do after your Social Security Disability is denied. Contact us today.