If you suffer from a medical condition that renders you unable to work, then you need some sort of financial support. One of your best options is the Social Security Disability system. Here, if you can demonstrate that your medical condition meets specific requirements, then you might be granted ongoing payments to help keep you stable. But the Social Security Disability process is fraught with complications. In fact, some studies show that a significant number of initial disability claims are denied. Does that mean you should throw up your hands and give up before you even start pursuing a case? Absolutely not.
You can maximize your chances of obtaining disability benefits in two ways. The first is to build an effective case upfront. This requires understanding the requirements that have to be proven in order to secure benefits, as well as gathering and persuasively presenting key evidence. But if your initial claim has already been denied, then you have to turn to your second option: pursuing an appeal.
Appealing a disability claim denial gives you a second chance to secure a financial lifeline in your time of need. But again, you have to be prepared heading into the process, otherwise you may lose your appeal and be completely cut off from the benefits that you need and deserve. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of winning your appeal:
- Gain an understanding of why your claim was denied: When your initial disability claim is denied, you should be provided with a letter that explains why the denial was made. This will give you an idea of how to approach your appeal and what issues you need to focus on as you build your appellate arguments. So, although your denial letter might be disheartening, you shouldn’t immediately throw it in trash.
- File for reconsideration: You have 60 days after your claim denial to file a request for reconsideration. Here, you can submit your medical records, any documentation pertaining to new treatment or diagnoses and an appeal letter that specifies how your condition impacts your ability to work. You can also submit letters from your medical providers that support your claim.
- Prepare for your hearing: There’s a chance that your appeal will be scheduled for a hearing. If this happens, you need to adequately prepare for it. You can anticipate questions that will be asked and ready appropriate responses, and you can organize your records so that you can easily refer to them. This will help you present a clean and persuasive case.
- Be thorough: All too often, disability claims and appeals are denied simply because incomplete or poor arguments are made. Therefore, it’s imperative that you understand the appellate process, fill out all required forms completely and carefully assess every aspect of your case so that you can ensure that you touch on every point that’s necessary to win your case.
Social Security Disability benefits can be a lifesaver in your time of need. But regardless of how badly you think you deserve benefits, they’re not going to be granted unless you can prove every element of your case. As a result, it’s often a fight to secure disability benefits, but it’s a worthwhile one that you should aggressively pursue to protect your interests. If you’d like to learn more about the best way to do that, then please discuss the matter with your attorney so that you can develop a strategy that works for you.
