Social Security Lawyer Tips

Benefits of Social Security Disability

If you are disabled and cannot work at any job in the national economy, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) is advantageous for many reasons.  If approved, it ensures a monthly income which it obviously crucial to you and your family if you cannot work.  If you are approved for monthly Social Security Disability benefits, you are automatically qualified for Medicare health care benefits.  The sooner you apply, the sooner you may receive your benefits.

What if my Social Security Disability benefits are denied?

It is highly likely that your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits will be denied.  But DON'T GIVE UP.  Most applications are denied, but many are then approved after a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer to accompany you.   You should take the following steps after receiving a denial.

Pay attention to the 60-day Deadline to file any appeal

You have 60 days to file an appeal.  There are no extensions.  In some states, such as Pennsylvania, you file the appeal and the next step is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  In other states, such as New Jersey, the appeal is a Request for Reconsideration.  If that Request is denied, then you must file an appeal to get a hearing.  Importantly, the 60 days starts from the date that appears at the top of your letter, not the date that you receive the letter.  Do not delay in contacting an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer so that the appeal is timely filed.

Review the Contents of the Denial Letter

The denial letter contains a list of what medical records were considered by the Social Security Administration when your claim was decided.  It is not uncommon for important medical records to be left out.  Make sure you take note of the records that may be missing or incomplete and bring these to the attention of your lawyer.  These records should be submitted to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in conjunction with your appeal.  In many cases, you will need to enlist your Doctor's assistance in making sure that all important records are provided.  An experienced Social Security lawyer, such as those at The Bernstein Law Offices, can help you in this regard.