What steps can I take If Social Security Denies my Disability Benefits Disability benefits reach deserving people since it is granted after a stringent medical records analysis. Here’s what to do if you are denied benefits.
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The U.S. Social Security disability program has been implemented to help Americans stay secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial support. Social security disability benefits reach deserving people because it is granted only after a stringent medical records analysis. Attorneys handling disability lawsuits also rely on medical review services to arrive at a clear understanding regarding the medical aspects involved. Disability benefits enable people with debilitating disabilities and health conditions meet basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medications. The SSA (Social Security Administration) focuses on ensuring that they make the correct decision on each disability claim to safeguard the integrity of the program. However, claimants may disagree with the Administration when their claim is denied. In such cases, claimants can request the SSA to reconsider their claim via an appeal. The appeal for a denied social security claim must be made within 60 days from the date you receive your denial letter. The SSA assumes that you receive the denial letter 5 days after the date on the letter, unless you can demonstrate that you received if later. There are 4 levels of appeals as follows. ďƒ˜ Reconsideration: This involves a complete review of your claim by a person who did not take part in the initial decision. All evidence submitted when the original decision was made would be scrutinized as well as any new evidence. Typically, at the reconsideration level, the claimant need not be present. In some U.S. states, the appeal process may directly move to the next stage, namely, hearing by an administrative law judge. ďƒ˜ Hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ): If you disagree with the Reconsideration decision, you can move on to the next level – hearing by an ALJ. This judge will not have had any part in the original decision or at the reconsideration level. Typically, the hearing is held within 75 miles of your home and you will receive notification from the ALJ as regards the time and place of the hearing. Claimants may have to provide more evidence and clarify information regarding the claim.
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At the hearing, the ALJ will question you as well as any witnesses you may bring. Other witnesses such as vocational or medical experts may also provide information at the hearing. Once the hearing is over, the judge will make a decision based on all the evidence and information. Any new information will also be considered. You will be sent a letter by mail and a copy of the ALJ’s decision. The Appeals Council: If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, the next level is review by the SSA’s Appeals Council. This council considers all requests for review but may deny a request if it believes that the ALJ’s decision was correct. In case the Council denies your review request, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial. If the Appeals Council decides to review your case, it will return it to an ALJ for further review or decide your case by itself. A copy of the decision will be sent to you if the council reviews the case and makes a decision regarding eligibility. If the case is returned to an ALJ, you will receive a letter and a copy of the order. Federal Court review: This is the last level of appeal. If you don’t agree with the Appeals Council decision or if the council decides not to review your case, you can file a lawsuit in a federal district court. The SSA strives to administer the disability program benefits in a timely and accurate manner ensuring through medical chart reviews and other formalities that the benefits are granted to deserving people. Claimants would benefit from taking the time to research and consult an experienced social security attorney before applying for disability benefits, filing an appeal, or requesting a hearing. These benefits can provide the support claimants are looking for to help adjust to a new lifestyle and maintain financial independence.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
918-221-7791