Can I Appeal an SSD Denial Online?
If you applied for social security disability benefits to continue supporting yourself and your family while you’re out of work, you might be surprised after receiving a denial letter. Unfortunately, these denials happen quite frequently, with nearly 70 percent of SSD claims being denied initially.
However, there are four different levels of appeals in which you can request your case be re-examined for eligibility. Below, we review how and when you can appeal an SSD denial online.
Request for Reconsideration
The first level of appeals is a request for reconsideration. You can file your appeal directly on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. In a reconsideration, another SSA employee who did not initially review your case will examine the details of your claim, as well as any other evidence you might have submitted to establish eligibility.
Hearing with an ALJ and Appeals Council Review
If your denial is upheld at the reconsideration level, the next level of appeals is a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ presiding over your case will have had no part in your original denials and will further review your case in a hearing. You can request your hearing with an ALJ online using the reconsideration link above.
In the event that the ALJ denies your appeal, your next step will be to have your case reviewed by the appeals council. The appeals council does not accept every case, and they will often deny your appeal at this level if they believe all social security laws have been followed when denying the initial claim. Your attorney can advise you accordingly if it makes sense to move forward with an appeal at this level.
The last chance you have to appeal your denial is a federal court review. If you wish to file a federal appeal, you’ll need to work with your lawyer to do so, as this option is not available online.
Contact a Qualified Social Security Disability Lawyer
When you’re ready to appeal your denied social security disability benefits claim, get in touch with a seasoned SSD lawyer at Joel H. Schwartz, PC. You can call our office at 1-800-660-2270 or fill out the brief contact form at the bottom of this page to schedule your free claim assessment today.