Steps to Take If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied

Many people think that if the Social Security Administration denies their initial claim for benefits, that’s the end of the road. In fact, the SSA counts on you dropping the case at this point.

Understand that an initial SSDI claim denial is not the end. There are more steps you can take to get your claim approved. We’ll explain how to do this and why you should hire a lawyer.

The SSDI Appeals Process

If your SSDI claim has been denied, it’s not necessarily the end of the road for you. There are four steps you can take to have your application reconsidered for approval.

Request a Reconsideration

You have 60 days after receiving your denial to request a reconsideration from the Social Security Administration. You can do this online or by calling the SSA.

During this stage, your application will be reviewed by a new SSA claims examiner who wasn’t involved in your initial decision. In addition to your medical records, you may provide additional proof of your disability. 

A reconsideration approval is pretty uncommon, but it’s a necessary step before you can proceed.

Request a Hearing

Should your reconsideration be denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). 

The court will hear your case directly from you or your attorney, typically at a local Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) or via videoconference. Testimony may also be provided by medical and vocational experts, and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will issue a written decision.

Appeals are most likely to be successful at this stage.

Request a Review of the Hearing Decision

If your claim is still denied, you have another 60 days to request another review by the SSA Appeals Council.

Rather than reevaluating your medical condition, this level focuses on whether legal or procedural errors occurred during the hearing. Depending on the findings, the Council may affirm, reverse, or rehear the ALJ’s decision.

File a Review

Filing an SSDI appeal review is your last opportunity to appeal a decision. There is a 60-day deadline for filing a civil action in a U.S. district court near you.

Even though federal court cases are complex and less common, they’re your last resort if an improper denial of your claim leaves you with no other option.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help

The SSDI appeals process is complex and evidence-driven. Having an experienced Social Security appeal lawyer significantly improves your chances of success. A knowledgeable lawyer can navigate state-specific factors, gather medical records, communicate with your doctors, and build a strong legal argument for your disability claim.

They can also prepare you for testimony, cross-examine vocational experts, and ensure all deadlines are met. Legal representation is especially important during the ALJ hearing, where procedural errors can jeopardize your case.

You’re Not Alone

Regardless of where you are, if your SSDI claim has been denied, we can help. Our Social Security appeal lawyers at Lipsey & Clifford, Attorneys at Law have years of experience successfully guiding clients through the SSDI appeals process. You don’t have to fight alone.