Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer in Seneca

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial help when you are hurt or sick and unable to work. Thousands of people apply for these benefits every year, but the vast majority of claims are denied. Don’t risk making common mistakes during the administrative review process. Instead, get help from a Seneca Social Security disability appeals lawyer.

At Pilzer Klein, we only handle disability claims. Our knowledge and experience mean you can avoid errors and delays that keep you from receiving the monthly payments you need. A licensed Seneca Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm could stand with you through the appeals process and beyond.  

Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

Obtaining Approval for Your Social Security Disability Claim

You have three options for submitting your initial SSDI benefits application: You can apply online, over the phone, or in person. However, once you apply, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can take a long time to review your paperwork. It can be nerve-wracking to wait to hear whether you will receive your benefits during that time.

Getting a denial letter can be a huge disappointment when you have already waited so long. You may feel like giving up hope, but starting over will make it take longer. Fortunately, hiring a Social Security disability appeals lawyer from Seneca gives you an advantage. 

When you allow us to handle your case, we help you interpret why your claim was denied and take aggressive action to appeal.

Reasons Why Your Benefits May Be Denied

We know you may be experiencing pain and are understandably frustrated. Even on a good day, you may struggle with completing the forms to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. It is easy to make mistakes or feel unable to chase down documents for your claim.

Applicants with these disadvantages can enter incorrect information, leave questions blank, or fail to include all the necessary medical documentation. According to an SSA statistical report, these are the main issues that cause up to 67% of all applications to be denied on the first try. 

In addition, your Social Security disability application might be denied for reasons such as:

• You returned to your work at the same level as before your disability before the claim could be completed. 
• Your illness or injury will affect you for less than 12 months.
• You missed appointments or did not follow your doctor’s orders for treatment.
• Your condition is not severe enough.
• You can go back to your previous work or perform light-duty work. 
• Your disability is the result of drug or alcohol abuse.

Denials involving these conditions are challenging to appeal. While our attorneys want to help you appeal when possible, we will also be honest about your chances. We can advise you of other programs that may provide benefits as an alternative to an appeal. 

Filing a Social Security Disability Appeal Must Be Done As Soon As Possible. 

Even if you did not use an attorney to file your application, you can pick up the pieces by contacting a Social Security disability appeals attorney in Seneca to pursue your appeal. Our team will review your denial letter, initial application, and all the medical documentation you must prepare for the appeals process.

After you receive your denial letter, you have just 60 days to file an appeal. The good news is that our team moves quickly in these cases. 

We will also help you gather any new medical records or other information that could strengthen your claim. Providing further evidence of your disability could be the key to having your claim approved.

The Four Levels of the Social Security Disability Review and Appeals Process

When your claim is denied, don’t give up. It may be discouraging, but if you let the 60 days expire without appealing or you start a new claim, you will put yourself back at the beginning. Your Seneca Social Security disability appeals attorney will help you keep looking forward as you seek benefits. 

The appeals process includes four levels, which are completed one after another. 

The four levels of administrative review are:

1. Initial Application

This is the first step in the review process. It involves filing an initial application for Social Security Disability benefits with the SSA. The SSA reviews your application and medical evidence to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits. If your application is denied, you can proceed to the reconsideration stage.

2. Reconsideration

When you request a reconsideration, you are asking for a review of your data by someone who was not on the initial team. This level can be valuable for turning around a denial made for medical reasons. A different person may see your documentation differently, especially if you can add new supporting documentation. 

3. Administrative Law Judge Hearing

When your claim was first submitted, you waited several months to have an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. The next level of appeal is another hearing before an ALJ, although this will be a different judge. This gives you a chance to present your case in front of an unbiased court that did not have a part in your first claim review.

4. Review by the Social Security Administration Appeals Council

Your attorney will determine whether it is worthwhile for you to proceed if the ALJ rejects your claim. At this point, you must submit a request for the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council to hear your case. However, this group does not accept every request that is made. 

The Appeals Council may decide that the Administrative Law Judge ruled correctly, in which case your appeal will be closed. They may also return your case to the ALJ for another review by yet another judge. If they accept your request, they will conduct a review of your claim, render a decision, and send you a copy of the final action.

If you and your attorney still believe your claim is being unfairly denied after the Appeals Council review, one of our attorneys can help you sue the Social Security Administration at the federal level in the South Carolina District Court. 

Contact a Seneca Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer Today

Many law firms will only assist you with the appeals process and leave you high and dry when facing a Federal Court judge. Our attorneys do not flinch in these cases. We will stand by your side in court and guide you every step of the way.

At Pilzer Klein, we are dedicated to handling each case with compassion, honesty, and commitment. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with a Seneca Social Security Disability appeals lawyer today.