Clemson Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer

You submit a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim and expect it to be approved. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) rejects your submission, and you have no idea how to proceed from here. Get help from a Clemson Social Security Disability appeals lawyer who can explain your legal options in detail.

Pilzer Klein has more than five decades of combined legal experience on staff. We focus exclusively on Social Security Disability law and are available to assist you with your appeal. Consult with a Clemson Social Security Disability lawyer from our team. 

Why the Social Security Administration Could Deny Your Claim

Every SSDI claim is unique, and the Social Security Administration will consider each one carefully. If the SSA finds a denial is warranted, it will reject your disability benefits request. Reasons why Social Security denies disability claims include:

Insufficient Medical Evidence

You share your medical records to prove to the SSA that you are dealing with a disability. The administration could have concerns about your records’ accuracy or raise doubts about whether your disability meets its criteria. In either of these scenarios, the administration could deny your claim, and you may have to submit additional medical documentation as part of an appeal.

Too Much Income

There are earnings limitations in place for those who apply for Social Security Disability. If you earn more than what the SSA permits, you may be ineligible for disability benefits. In this scenario, a Clemson Social Security Disability appeals attorney can evaluate your claim and help you contest the administration’s initial decision against you. 

Not Enough Work Credits

Generally, the 20/40 rule applies to Social Security Disability. With this rule, you need 40 work credits and have earned 20 of them in the past 10 years to qualify for disability benefits. The total number of work credits required to secure these benefits is based on your age when you suffered your disability.

The Pilzer Klein team can provide insights into why you need a lawyer to appeal an SSDI denial. Let a Social Security Disability appeals lawyer serving Clemson, SC from our team review your denial and help you determine what to do next. Request a consultation with our team. 

How the Clemson Social Security Disability Appeals Process Works

If you file your benefits claim and provide adequate evidence to support it, you can get approved for Disability on your first try. Regardless, the Social Security Administration can issue a denial, but you have the option to appeal. Here are the four stages of the appeals process. 

Reconsideration 

Once you receive your denial letter, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. With reconsideration, you ask a reviewer who was not initially involved in the denial of your benefits request to evaluate your claim. A Social Security Disability appeals attorney serving Clemson, SC can help you file your reconsideration request in a timely manner. 

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

An ALJ hearing is typically informal and provides you and your lawyer with an opportunity to speak to a judge about your claim. During your hearing, you and your attorney can tell a judge about any claim issues and why you feel a reversal of the initial decision against you is warranted. If you have a compelling argument, the ALJ could reverse this decision. 

Appeals Council Review

The Appeals Council will examine an ALJ’s decision. At this point, the council could affirm or reverse the judge’s decision. It could also send your case back to this judge for further assessment. 

Federal District Court Review

The final stage of the appeals process involves an examination of your case by a federal district court. In this stage, your lawyer will consider every legal avenue to show that you deserve the disability benefits you are requesting. If the court finds in your favor, you will receive these benefits.

As far as how long a Social Security Disability appeal takes, the timeline varies. Your lawyer can serve as your legal advocate and representative as you go through the appeals process. They can help you make informed decisions at each stage. 

When to File an Appeal

If you want to appeal a decision against you, the time in which you are allowed to do so is limited. The 60-day period that begins the day you are notified of your denial will not be extended. Beyond this window, a decision that went against you may not be overturned. 

Your lawyer can teach you about the appeals process. They will encourage you to appeal right away. Along with this, your attorney will work diligently to prove to the Social Security Administration that you should receive disability benefits. 

With your attorney’s guidance, you are well-equipped to present a strong case. Your lawyer will consider the SSA’s perspective and why your claim was denied in the first place. They can build an argument that makes it clear that your claim aligns with the administration’s requirements. 

Our Clemson Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyers Prioritize Your Case

You receive a Social Security Disability denial letter and want to dispute the Social Security Administration’s decision to reject your benefits request. Doing so by yourself can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Social Security Disability appeals attorneys can help. 

The Pilzer Klein team can make a profound difference in your Social Security Disability case. Our lawyers are committed to our clients and will dedicate the time and resources required to help you achieve optimal appeal results. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys.