The Appeals Process and the
Difference an Experienced Attorney Can Make
The process of obtaining social security disability or supplemental security income benefits can be very difficult — even for people with obvious disabilities. Often, success only comes through perseverance during the appeals process.
At the Law Offices of Steven Gaechter, we can answer any questions you have, prepare you for what to expect and assure that you will be personally represented at every step of that appeals process by an attorney with more than 25 years of experience. For a free initial consultation — call our Hackensack, New Jersey, law offices at 201-488-1540 or, contact us online.
The ALJ Hearing
The request to have your disability claim reviewed and ruled on by an administrative law judge comes after the reconsideration stage. Present at this hearing will be you, attorney Gaechter, the administrative law judge and usually, a judicial staff member as well. On occasion, a vocational witness, a physician or other witnesses may be called into the room to testify. Any others, family or friends can be in the room only with your permission.
During the hearing, you can expect the judge to ask you questions but not in an intimidating or adversarial way. The judge's job is simply to make the best decision he or she can based on the facts.
Having experienced hundreds of ALJ hearings as an advocate, Steven Gaechter can not only do a thorough job of preparing you — he can effectively present on your behalf the evidence that administrative law judges look for.
Appeals Council Review and Federal Court Appeals
If you do not prevail before the ALJ, we can request review by the Social Security Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia. Although you do not get a hearing at this level, we can present arguments, and in some circumstances, submit new and material medical evidence to the Appeals Council.
If the Appeals Council denies your request, we may take your case to federal court. This happens only after you have run the gamut of the social security appeals process.
At our firm, you'll have the benefit of experience if the federal appeals process becomes necessary. In fact, attorney Steven Gaechter has represented plaintiffs in more than 100 disability-related cases filed in New Jersey federal courts.
All appeals are time-sensitive. Don't wait to speak with an attorney.
To schedule a free initial consultation with lawyer Steven Gaechter — call our law offices directly at 201-488-1540 or, take a moment to contact us online.
No Fee Unless We Obtain Your Benefits
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