Denied Social Security Benefits – Your Next Step

After waiting several months for a decision, you have finally received the letter in the mail. You get the official word for the Social Security Administration (SSA). You were denied social security benefits.  What do you do now?

As frustrating as this can be, understand that you are just getting started in the Social Security Application process. In fact the SSA denies most applications when they are first submitted. You are not alone.

(Read more about the Social Security Application Process)

Denied Social Security Benefits – Your Next Step

The first thing that you should do when you are denied social security benefits is to not panic. Understand that this can be a long process, and realize that you have options available to you.  This is not the final word.

Second, read through the letter in its entirety. The first page will provide some details about your denial. It will also start to explain the next steps in the process.

Typically, the last page in the denial letter explains a couple of things:

• The medical records the SSA reviewed in making the decision
• What conditions and illnesses were taken into consideration in making the decision
• A short list of reasons why the disability determination office finds you not to be disabled.

Appeal the Decision

Once you have your lett and are armed with that information, and you have decided that you are ready to appeal the decision, you now have a choice to make.  At this point you want to determine whether you want to call an attorney.

Hiring an attorney is a personal decision, but having one in your corner fighting for your Social Security benefits is often helpful.

An attorney can be an asset to you as you navigate the uncertain waters with the SSA. If you decide to engage a Jacksonville Social Security Attorney, the attorney will want to get a bit of information from you.  Items such as:

• Which program you applied to (SSI or SSDI)
• The reasons for the denial (from the letter)
• Your work history
• Your conditions and illnesses
• What doctors you see
• What limitations you have on your daily life

Also, when you call a Social Security attorney with Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A., we will want to see a copy of the letter.  We like to be able to read the letter with you and explain each part, so you fully understand the process and the reason behind the denial. Then we can advise you on the next step in the process.

If you and the attorney decide to work together on your claim, they will work with you to appeal the decision.

If you decide to not engage an attorney at this stage, you will need to follow the instructions on the letter to begin your appeal.

Just remember that you initial denial is not the end of the road.