My Social Security Disability Application was Denied — Should I Appeal?

Receiving a rejection after applying for social security disability or SSDI in Pennsylvania or New Jersey can be frustrating — and scary. But being rejected after your initial application is far more common than a lot of people realize. In fact, many estimates indicate about two-thirds of applications are denied.

Too many applicants don’t bother to appeal that initial rejection or additional rejections at later steps in the process. However, with the right preparation, later steps in the appeals process — like the administrative law judge hearing — are often more likely to result in an approval of benefits.

So if you are denied, what can you do? Here are a few next steps to take.

Dig into your rejection — and get your appeal in order

In most cases it makes sense to appeal an initial rejection. And it always makes more sense to appeal than to reapply. But you need to make sure the way you appeal gives you the best shot at winning.

Your first step should be to appeal as soon as possible. The sooner you officially appeal, the better your chances will be of eventually getting approved.

Once you’ve signaled that you intend to continue with the process, you can dig into the specifics of why your initial application was turned down. If you receive a technical denial, it probably means you earn too much money or your work history disqualifies you for benefits. These denials are more difficult to overturn on appeal.

Other rejections involving your medical condition or treatment are more likely to be reconsidered at various stages in the appeals process. Knowing the specifics on why your application was rejected, and how to correct those issues, is central to eventually obtaining benefits.

Get representation

Some people are approved for benefits on their first attempt and never need to contact an attorney or social security disability expert in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. However, if your application was rejected, your chances of eventually claiming benefits is much higher with legal representation to help you best present your case.

There are countless ways an expert disability attorney can help your case. Here are a few reasons to consider getting help:

• It’s your best shot. It’s a fact that hiring representation increases your chances of winning, especially at the administrative law judge phase, where you’re able to present your case in front of a real human being.
• They know specifics. The social security office will look for individual details depending on your medical condition. Experienced social security disability and SSDI attorneys have experience with specific medical conditions and know how to set up a case that will result in an approval.
• You may get a larger payment. If your application is eventually approved after being denied, it raises the issue of backdating payments. An experienced New Jersey or Pennsylvania social security disability attorney will know the best strategies for setting the right date and getting your benefits to “start” earlier.
• They can advocate for you. People employed by the social security office don’t necessarily have your best interest at heart. They can try to give good advice, but that doesn’t mean it’s definitely your best course of action. Sometimes they’re just not aware of all the options you have. An attorney, on the other hand, is only representing your interests and has the experience of past cases to know what works. And they have good reason to work toward a victory for you …
• It’s in their best interest. Social security disability attorneys get paid when you do. So they’ll do everything in their power to give your case the best chance of winning.

If you have questions about your Social Security Disability application, contact our law offices today. Our attorneys have helped thousands recover the benefits they deserve and won crucial appeals for those who have received first-time denials. Call today for a FREE consultation, and remember, if we don’t win money for you, then you don’t owe us a dime.