Social Security Benefits Appeal

Social Security Benefits Appeals are very technical in nature. On average, 60% of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are not accepted at the initial application and about 80% are denied when the case is reconsidered. At the Cromer Law Offices, LLC, we aim to increase your odds.

Social Security Disability Benefits Appeals

There are four stages of appeal for an SSDI/SSI claim:

1. Reconsideration: At reconsideration, your claim will be reviewed again by another person associated with the Social Security Administration (SSA). At the reconsideration level, you can submit new evidence offering further proof of your disability.
2. Hearing in front of an administrative law judge: The next step is a hearing in front of an ALJ. During this hearing, you may bring witnesses and submit other vocational and medical evidence. The judge will ask you questions. He or she will then make a decision based on the information in your case. Most cases are resolved at this level.
3. Social Security Appeals Council: If your claim is denied at the administrative law hearing, your next step is to ask the Social Security’s Appeals Council to review your case. The Appeals Council may reverse the findings of the ALJ, affirm the lower decision or remand the case back to the ALJ for further findings.
4. Federal district court: Usually, the final stage is to bring a lawsuit in federal district court. The lawsuit is typically done by written briefs completed by your attorney or advocate.

There are timelines for each of these appeals processes. Typically, the entire process, from application to the hearing, can take 2-3 years. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Attorney Bubba Cromer looks for ways to make the hearing and appeals process move faster because we understand the financial pressures you are under while waiting for a decision.

Can I Afford to Bring an social security benefits  Appeal?

If the SSA determines that you are disabled, the government will pay you a lump sum that covers the entire time you should have received disability. Your attorney fees are considered a portion of your past-due benefits. Depending on your situation, bringing a social security benefits appeal might be the only option.