Understanding the Social Security Disability Process: The Four Steps in Your SSD Case
For many disabled Americans who are seeking Social Security Disability benefits, the application process can be complex and confusing. However, the challenging Social Security Disability applications process can be made somewhat less perplexing and frustrating by understanding the four typical steps in the lifecycle of a Social Security Disability case. Understanding the steps of the SSD process can help applicants better prepare and advocate for their benefits. This process, if an applicant is not granted benefits at the initial application stage, typically involves a reconsideration, an administrative hearing, and, if necessary, further appeals. To help Social Security Disability applicants better navigate their Social Security Disability cases, we discuss these steps, and where to get legal help with your Social Security Disability case here.
Step 1: The Initial Determination
The Social Security Disability process starts out with the initial determination of a Social Security Disability application. At this stage, the Social Security Administration reviews the application for benefits to determine whether the application has met the basic eligibility criteria under the SSA’s rules and regulations. At this stage, medical records evidencing that an applicant meets the SSA’s definition of “disabled” is critical, and some applicants may even be scheduled for consultative medical examination. It is important to note that the majority of SSD claims are, in fact, denied at the initial determination stage.
Step 2: The Reconsideration Stage
Most Social Security Disability applicants will be required to move on to the reconsideration stage in their case. When Social Security Disability benefits are denied at the initial determination stage, a disabled applicant can request reconsideration of their application. The reconsideration stage in a Social Security Disability case typically involves the review of the claim by a new examiner who has not examined the claim before. The disabled applicant can submit additional medical evidence or other evidence to support their claim of disability at this stage. Statistically, it is important for SSD benefits applicants to know that most claims are also denied at the reconsideration stage.
Step 3: The Administrative Hearing
If a Social Security Disability applicant is not successful with their case at the reconsideration stage, they may request an Administrative Hearing in front of an administrative law judge (also called an “ALJ”). At the hearing stage, the judge will conduct, essentially, a “mini trial,” in which the applicant can present their case. Typically, a Vocational Expert (“VE”) will be present at the hearing and will provide testimony. Medical expert witnesses and other witnesses may also testify at the hearing.
Step 4: Appeals
Finally, if a Social Security Disability applicant is denied benefits at the administrative hearing stage, they can request a review of their claim by the Social Security Appeals Council, and, if they are unsuccessful there, appeal their case to federal district court.
Getting Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case – Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you were denied benefits in your Social Security Disability case and you need legal help navigating the challenging steps of the Social Security Disability benefits application process, it is best to consult with a lawyer about your next steps right away. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled SSD applicants get benefits due to them. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today, and speak to a lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps now.
Source:
ssa.gov/appeals/hearing-process.html
