Filing for Social Security Disability: What To Do If You'Ve Been Denied

If you have a disability, it may be hard for you to work a traditional job. If you are unable to work a traditional job, you may have decided to apply for social security disability as a way of receiving some financial assistance that would help you pay for basic necessities, such as clothing, food and a comfortable place to live. After completing the lengthy application process, you may have received a notice in the mail stating that you were denied the benefits you were trying to receive. Although it is extremely frustrating, many people get denied the first time they apply.

There are several reasons why you may have been denied for social security disability. It is possible that you did not complete the paperwork correctly or did not provide enough information about your disability. The Social Security Administration has a list of illnesses and conditions they consider disabilities. If your specific disability is not on that list, you may have been turned down for the benefits for that reason.

However, that these setbacks don't mean you cannot end up getting social security disability benefits in the future. Instead, you may need to file an appeal and provide extra information about the disability you are living with each day.

What Happens When Filing an Appeal?

Even though your denial may seem unfair, you do have the option to file an appeal because you do not agree with the decision. If you are going to file an appeal, it is important to get as much medical information to support your claims as you possibly can. You should have your medical records available and consider getting a second opinion on your condition from another physician just to have even more proof of your disability.

Rather than file an appeal on your own, it is always good to work with a social security disability lawyer. The lawyer wants to help you receive the benefits you truly need because you are unable to work due to the condition you suffer from. He or she will discuss your condition with you to learn more about how it negatively impacts your life and may attempt to get your medical records from physicians and hospitals you have visited over the past several years.

The information on your condition can be used during the appeal process to explain how this disability affects you in your daily life and why it is serious enough for you to receive assistance. For example, you may suffer from chronic pain due to an accident or you may be confined to a wheelchair. These are important details that must be discussed with the medical professionals who help the Social Security Administration make the decision on providing benefits to you or not.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer?

Some people attempt to appeal the decision on their own. However, working with a lawyer may improve your chances of receiving an approval the second time around. While it is not guaranteed, the lawyer will have experience with these types of cases and he or she will know exactly what types of information you need to provide so that you do not waste any time. While you do not have to hire a lawyer, getting a legal professional to represent you during this process may help to reduce some of the stress you are experiencing as a result of receiving a denial in the first place.

If you suffer from a real disability and need the help, consider appealing the decision. There are social security disability lawyers who can represent you to help with the case in hopes of getting you the benefits you need.

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