For older adults or those who have disabilities with limited or no income and resources, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a big help.
That’s why if you applied for SSI benefits and your claim gets denied, you might feel like everything’s lost. While it’s normal to feel that way, you should know that you’re not alone.
Denied SSI claims are common, especially at the initial application stage. The good news is, anyone can appeal a denial. That said, let’s talk about what you need to do if your disability claim gets denied and how an SSI lawyer can help.
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First Things First: Common Reasons for Denied Benefits
Lack of solid medical evidence is one possible reason your claim wasn’t approved. The medical records you submit must clearly show that your condition interferes with your ability to do any work.
It’s up to claimants to be proactive when discussing their disability with their primary care physicians. Once your doctor knows this, he or she will note this in your medical records.
Other factors that could affect your claim include prior denials, current income, and failure to follow treatment. Also, if you don’t cooperate with the Social Security office (e.g., not submitting requested documentation, not showing up to scheduled medical exams, etc.), there’s a high chance your claim will be denied.
Filing an Appeal for a Denied Supplemental Security Income Claim
If you filed your claim without the help of an SSI lawyer, now’s a good time to consider hiring one. With a qualified attorney by your side, you have a better chance of receiving disability benefits.
Note that no reputable lawyer will guarantee you a win. If you come across someone who says they will win your appeal, be cautious. Even the best attorneys who know the reconsideration and appeals procedures well can only promise to do their best.
That means helping you prepare for your appeal, reviewing the paperwork to ensure they’re in order, and other things that will increase your claim’s chances of success.
A Word on Doing It on Your Own
Just as you can file a disability claim yourself, you can also handle the appeal on your own.
However, you should think twice if this is the best course of action, considering how your initial claim turned out. If you’re worried about the costs, it helps to know that SSI and SSDI lawyers collect nothing unless your claim or appeal is approved.
Another way a qualified attorney can help you receive SSI benefits is if the Social Security office denies your appeal. Since this means you’ll have to proceed to a disability hearing, it’s better to have a lawyer in your corner.
Do You Need Help With Your Disability Claim?
If you’re counting on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to help with your needs, it can be disheartening to learn that your claim might not be approved.
Even if your claim gets denied, though, don’t lose heart. Instead, hire the best SSI attorney you can find to help you.
For more legal tips and advice, check out our other posts.
