If you are unable to work because of a disabling medical condition or mental impairment, you understand the devastating financial implications firsthand. When you can’t earn an income, you cannot provide for your family, take care of your basic needs or even save for emergencies. This is why you applied for benefits through the Social Security Administration. You may have been hopeful when sending in your claim, only to be devastated when it came back denied.
It can be frustrating when a disability claim comes back denied. However, this is not the end of the road for you. It is possible to continue your pursuit of disability support by appealing the denial, and you can start by asking for a reconsideration of your claim. Many initial claims are not successful, and the need to appeal is normal.
Why do claims come back denied?
The SSA holds a strict view of disability, and it does not approve many initial disability claims. Some of the most common reasons why your claim could back denied include the following:
- You can do other types of work, even if you are unable to continue with your previous employment.
- You did not include enough medical documentation in your initial claim.
- It is possible your condition could be the result of a drug or alcohol addiction.
- It is not clear you cooperated with the doctor’s recommendations or prescribed medical conditions.
- You went back to work before you proved your disability.
Through the appeals process, you can include additional and new evidence that refutes the SSA’s findings regarding your disability. The first stage of this process is requesting a reconsideration. This means the SSA will look at your claim again in light of additional documentation and evidence to support your claim.
After a reconsideration
You may not be successful with your reconsideration, which, unfortunately, is common. If you need to continue after the reconsideration stage, there are three additional levels of appeals you may have to walk through in your attempts at seeking disability benefits. You may have more success at the next step, which is seeking an Administrative Law Judge hearing.
It is complicated and overwhelming to walk through the process of seeking disability benefits. You don’t have to walk through it alone, and you can benefit from seeking the support and guidance of a New York attorney experienced in the claims process. A lawyer can assist in completing the initial application to any additional steps that are necessary.