Experienced Attorney Simplifies SSDI Appeals
If you’ve become disabled and are unable to work, you may be thinking that there is no way your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim could be denied. If you, your medical team, and your employer all agree, filing all the necessary paperwork is nothing more than a formality. Sadly, this often isn’t the case because many SSDI cases are initially denied, requiring you to file an appeal. While many claimants file the initial application themselves, hiring an attorney to help you through your SSDI appeal can greatly increase your chances of being approved quickly.
Why Did My Claim Get Denied?
Your claim was legitimate, and you thought you did everything right! Why wasn’t it approved?
It can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when you are already dealing with a serious injury or illness, to hear that your application for benefits was denied. The primary reason that many claims are initially denied is a lack of medical evidence. You may have thought that you provided everything the Social Security Administration would need, but the documentation needs to be extremely thorough, and it’s very easy to overlook small details in the process.
A disability is defined by the SSA as a serious medical condition that has lasted or will last for a continuous period of twelve months or more or will result in death. The disability must be proven to result in limitations that will completely impact your ability to work. You can prove this by providing all of your medical records, testing, and statements from your medical team. If you appeal a denial, expect to provide even more proof and documentation of your claim.
Other reasons that can cause a claim to be denied include your work history, current ability to earn, or financial situation. If you are unable to work full time, but are able to earn more than $1,620 a month (non-blind 2025), the SSA will consider that substantial gainful activity (SGA) and deny your SSDI claim.
If you don’t have enough work credits from jobs you held before your disability, you may not be eligible for benefits, even though you meet the medical criteria. You can find out if you have enough work credits by calling Social Security or by setting up an online account via Social Security.
If you are under 55, you are more likely to be denied, as the SSA may feel you can adapt to another form of employment.
What is the Appeal Process?
The first thing that you need to understand about the appeal process is that it will not be quick. An SSDI claim that requires an appeal and a hearing can take more than two years from start to finish.
After your initial denial, you will have 60 days to request an appeal. This process is called “reconsideration” and your application will be reviewed by a new caseworker who was uninvolved in your initial denial.
You will supplement your initial application with additional medical documentation as well as anything else your SSDI attorney recommends to make your case stronger. You may be asked to answer additional questions about your condition, and go through a medical or mental health evaluation.
The decision on this stage will take about 3-6 months. If your reconsideration is denied, you can appeal again and will request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. On average, the wait for a hearing is about a year from your second appeal denial. After your hearing, you will wait another 2-3 months for the decision from the ALJ. If you are denied by the ALJ, you can escalate to an Appeals Council, and finally, if you are still denied, you can file a Federal Court Appeal, which will not look at the strength of your case, but if the SSA followed their procedures and acted correctly when reviewing your case.
Do I Need an Attorney in for my SSDI Appeal?
You do not need an attorney to file your initial claim, but if you have been denied, we highly recommend working with an attorney. Once you have entered the appeals process, it is highly recommended that you work with an attorney who has experience with Social Security Disability Insurance claims.
An attorney will not only make your reconsideration application stronger, as they can assist you with gathering additional evidence and documentation, but if you need to move forward to a hearing, they will be able to speak on your behalf and argue your case.
If your appeal moves all the way to a Federal Court appeal, you need an attorney who practices in Federal Court to both file the appeal and represent you.
Can I Afford an SSDI Attorney?
If you are fighting for a disability claim because you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury, you are also very likely to be experiencing financial difficulties and stress and probably think you can’t afford to have professional help for your appeal.
However, Arthur Law Firm SSDI attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that we will only get paid when your claim is successful, and you will not have to pay any upfront costs. As having an attorney greatly increases your odds of a successful claim, this is an arrangement that will help you get what you need to move forward.
The SSDI appeals process is stressful, and you are already facing challenges from your disability. Having help with the appeals process can take some of that pressure off of you and allow you to focus on your health and wellbeing. If you are disabled and have been denied SSDI benefits, contact Arthur Law Firm for a free 419-782-9881 consultation today.