What if Your First Disability Benefits Appeal Isn’t Successful?

When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, chances are good that your initial application is going to be denied. The good news is, there are multiple phases of appeals and the first step is usually relatively easy. 

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you'll have your application approved after the first phase of appealing your benefits denial. If you have had your first appeal denied and you do not already have an attorney, it is imperative that you contact a Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer right away for help. 

​What if Your First Disability Benefits Appeal is Denied?

​The first phase of appealing a Social Security Disability benefits denial is to make a request for reconsideration. When you make this request, a different disability claims examiner reviews your submitted materials to determine if they would approve your claim. 

If your request for reconsideration results in another denial, it's time to move on to the second phase of appeals. During this phase, you will need to undergo a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The administrative law judge is part of the Social Security Administration, but will listen to evidence presented both by you and an attorney for the Administration in order to determine if the initial denial of your benefits application was proper or not. 

You will need to be prepared to present evidence and make convincing arguments at a disability benefits hearing. The goal is to show you are actually disabled enough to be entitled to benefits. You can present witnesses and as much information as possible about how your disability affects your daily life and your ability to work. 

A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can help you throughout the entirety of your benefits application process and the appeals process so you can maximize the chances that your claim for disability income will be approved. You should contact an attorney before applying, or as soon as your claim is denied, so a lawyer can provide the necessary assistance in fighting for the disability income you deserve.