When you cannot work due to a disability, you may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Applying for SSDI does not guarantee you will be approved, and many people with qualifying conditions who are in need of benefits are denied the first time they apply. The SSDI application process through the Social Security Administration (SSA) is notorious for being fraught with challenges and red tape.

For people who are facing debilitating illnesses and injuries, navigating a complex and overly bureaucratic application system can feel overwhelming and hopeless. If your claim for SSDI has been denied, contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin. Our Tennessee SSA lawyer has been helping people appeal SSDI denials for over 13 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss appealing the SSA’s decision in your case.

Common Reasons Why SSDI Claims Get Denied

Around two-thirds of all initial SSDI applications are denied, and there are many reasons that the SSA chooses to deny an applicant’s claim for benefits. Some of the most common reasons for denial include:

  • Insufficient medical documentation included with the application
  • The applicant made too much money to qualify for SSDI benefits
  • The applicant did not follow their doctor’s medical recommendations or treatment plans
  • There was incorrect or incomplete information on the application
  • The applicant did not respond to the SSA’s request for additional information

What to Do If Your SSDI Application Is Denied: Four Essential Steps

If you disagree with the SSA’s decision, there is a process you can follow to request they reconsider or change their denial. There are four appeal opportunities:

  • Request a reconsideration
  • Request a hearing with an administrative law judge
  • Request a review with the Appeals Council
  • File an action with the US District Court

Typically, each of these options is done in order, beginning with the request for reconsideration. If you don’t agree with the result of one step, you can move through each subsequent step of the process.

Reconsideration

In this first appeals step, a review of your initial claim will be completed by someone new who did not participate in the original determination. You can also submit new evidence as part of this reconsideration.

Administrative Law Judge

If you need to appeal the reconsideration decision, a hearing with an administrative law judge who was not involved in any previous steps will be scheduled.

Appeals Council

An appeal from the administrative hearing will result in a review by the Appeals Council. At this stage, your request for review may be dismissed or granted by the Council, so the review is not guaranteed. The Council may issue a new decision in your case or return it to the administrative law judge for action.

Federal District Court

If the Council issues a decision you disagree with or if your request for review is denied by the Council, you can file a civil action with the US District Court.

Timeframe for Appealing an SSDI Denial in Tennessee

You will receive a letter in the mail if the SSA denies your SSDI claim. You typically only have 60 days from the date you receive this notification letter to request a reconsideration. The SSA assumes that applicants receive the notification letter five days after the date on the letter, so be sure to check your mail regularly and compare the dates to ensure there was not a significant delay in the mail delivery.

If your letter arrived much later than the five-day period the SSA estimates, you will need to provide proof of this delay in order to have an extension of your reconsideration period. Failing to request a reconsideration within the 60-day timeframe could mean you lose your chance to do so. If you intend to request an extension, you must submit it in writing and include the reason you need additional time.

How an SSDI Lawyer Can Help with Your Appeal

The SSDI attorney at the Law Office of Daniel Martin has over 13 years of experience helping people with disabilities navigate the complex SSA appeals process. If you are looking for a legal team with compassion, dedication, knowledge, and skill, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with our Tennessee SSDI attorney.