Most first-time disability benefits applicants’ claims are denied, but it is possible to appeal against that decision. The reasons may vary, from giving incorrect information about your disability to leaving out vital details required by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
A denied claim can expose you financially. You will have to meet your needs out-of-pocket yet you cannot engage in meaningful employment owing to the disability. Here is what you need to know to improve the likelihood of a desirable outcome of your appeal.
You have 60 days to file an appeal
There is a time limit within which you can appeal a denied disability claim. If you do not bring your claim within the 60-day window stipulated by the SSA, you may have to restart the whole process of applying for disability benefits.
Ensure you fill in any forms correctly or your appeal could be dismissed. Submitting incomplete information or being dishonest about your disability could hurt your chances of a successful appeal process.
You may need additional documentation of your current state
The end goal is to convince the administrative judge handling your case to overturn the initial decision to deny your claim. Therefore, if you provided additional evidence that supports your disability, your appeal is likely to sail through.
For instance, providing a statement from your doctor that explains how your disability prevents you from working can be beneficial to your appeal.
It can be an overwhelming process
Navigating the appeal process is not a walk in the park. Dealing with the paperwork alone can be draining. On top of that, delays in concluding your case and delivering a verdict can frustrate you, especially if your needs are urgent.
It explains the need to prepare yourself with the necessary information before embarking on your appeal.