What Happens When Your Massachusetts Social Security Disability Claim is denied?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) disability process can be a long and frustrating one. Up to 60% of initial applications are denied. Many people just give up at this point, but the SSA does have a number of ways you can appeal the decision. And it is sometimes prudent to do just that.

Whether the application was for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the SSA collects information about you and makes its initial determination about your disability and whether it qualifies.

Your application can be denied for two main reasons, medical and non-medical. Here is how each works:

Medical Denial: If you received a medical denial, you can complete and submit an "Appeal Request" and "Appeal Disability Report." You can do this online at the SSA website. You will be asked to provide updates about your condition and treatments, tests and doctor visits since the decision was made. However if you do not wish to use the website, you may:

• Call their toll-free number and speak to a representative.
• Contact your local Social Security office and meet with a representative.
• Refer to your denial paperwork. You need to know what kind of an appeal you want to make. Then you can download the forms you need.

Non-medical Denial: You are urged to contact your local Social Security office and request a review.

Generally, these steps will occur in your appeal process:

• First is reconsideration. This happens at the state level and is done by an adjudicative team not involved in your original denial.
• If dissatisfied with the decision of the state team, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
• If the above step is still unsatisfactory, you can file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. At this point, you will need a lawyer if you do not already have one.

All of these options can be confusing and difficult to manage for the average person. In addition, the time that passes between your initial denial and a court date can be very long. For these reasons, a person who really needs help may consider enlisting an expert disability law specialist to handle his case.

Massachusetts' disability experts, Keefe Disability Law, can help you fight your denial. By calling toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review, you can find out exactly what your options are. Do not give up. You're not alone. Call us today.