Most people hope to never need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. After all, SSDI is a social safety net that exists because people have extreme medical challenges. Typically, they need to be completely unable to work to qualify for SSDI benefits. They also need to have a medical condition that should last a year or longer.
Those facing significant medical hardship can apply for SSDI benefits when they have no other means of supporting themselves. Most people prefer to avoid ever needing SSDI benefits, but they hope to receive a quick approval if they ever apply.
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is very strict when it reviews applications and determines who should receive benefits. Quite a few applicants eventually need to appeal to get benefits. What does that appeals process usually involve?
An internal reconsideration
SSDI benefits appeals begin with the reconsideration stage. Applicants receive information about the reason for the rejection of their application. They then have an opportunity to correct those issues. They can modify their paperwork or obtain and submit additional medical documentation. Those steps can potentially lead to a different SSA employee reviewing their file and approving them for benefits.
An appeals hearing
If reconsideration is not successful, the applicant can seek a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. During that hearing, they can submit evidence and possibly even present testimony from others about their circumstances. Applicants often have to wait multiple months to have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, but their chances of approval during the hearing stage are generally better than during the reconsideration stage.
What if the hearing fails?
In scenarios where applicants cannot get benefits even after presenting their case to an administrative law judge, they may be able to continue the appeals process. They can submit a request to the Appeals Council for review. They may also be able to pursue litigation in the federal courts if the Appeals Council doesn’t rule in their favor.
Discussing the stages of SSDI benefits appeals with a skilled legal team can help applicants take the right steps after a rejection. Getting benefits sometimes requires a long process, but successful appeals can lead to regular payments and possibly even backdated benefits.
