Filing Your SSD/SSI Claim and the Appeals Process
Waukesha Social Security Disability Appeal Attorneys
Wisconsin Social Security Disability Claim Lawyers
Obtaining disability benefits can be a confusing and frustrating process. With the stringent documentation requirements, filing deadlines and other rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), many people who apply for benefits are denied upon their initial claim for benefits. At D'Angelo & Jones, LLP, we assist clients through all stages of the disability claims process. Contact our Waukesha Social Security Disability appeals attorneys to discuss your case.
Filing Your Disability Claim and the Appeals Process
Initial Filing: The first step in filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is to submit your initial application packet to the Social Security Administration for review and an initial determination on your eligibility for disability benefits. The important thing for filing individuals to remember at this stage is that most people are rejected initially and do not receive benefits after an initial review. You should expect your initial disability claim will be rejected. However, you can rest assured that the attorneys at D’Angelo & Jones will use their experience in Social Security law to maximize your chances of an early victory.
Reconsideration: If your initial claim for disability benefits is denied, you will need to file a Request for Reconsideration. The Social Security Administration has established a 60-day deadline to appeal the initial denial. Therefore, you need to act quickly to avoid losing your right to appeal. Like the initial filing stage, the vast majority of reconsiderations are rejected outright.
The Appeal: If the government denies your Request for Reconsideration, you will need to immediately appeal that decision. When you appeal a denial for reconsideration, you are asking the Social Security Administration to schedule a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Because of the overwhelming volume of SSD and SSI appeals that have been filed over the last several years, it usually takes between one year and eighteen (18) months from the time you file your appeal before you will attend a hearing. While this time gap is understandably the most frustrating part of most Social Security cases, it provides the added benefit of allowing our Social Security appeals lawyers to gather the necessary medical records, organize the evidence in the most effective manner and prepare your best case for presentation to the ALJ. Our experienced attorneys understand that presenting a concise, well-organized case to the appeals court exponentially increases your chance of success. We know how to present your case in the most favorable way to maximize both your chance of receiving disability benefits and the amount you will receive.
Appealing the ALJ Decision: While the good majority of cases pay out on appeal before the ALJ, it is not uncommon for a denial at this stage and a need for a subsequent appeal. If you are denied benefits by the ALJ, you will need to appeal your case to the Social Security Administration Appeals Council and present your case anew. It is imperative to have a group of experienced attorneys who understand the law representing you through the appeals process.
Denied Social Security Benefits? We Can Help.
At D'Angelo & Jones, we focus on education, service and guidance. Our attorneys strive to help clients understand their rights and the process. We are dedicated to providing clients with personal attention, guidance and legal advocacy through the Social Security Disability appeals process. Whether you need assistance preparing a thorough initial application for Social Security benefits, or need a strong, experienced lawyer to prepare your Social Security Disability appeal, our attorneys offer the experience necessary to provide effective counsel. Contact us to schedule a free one-half hour initial consultation with an attorney. We serve clients throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha.
*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.
Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.