Social Security Lawyers Serving Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood and Middle Tennessee
Steps in the Social Security Benefits Process:
Your case may go through a few different stages before you are approved for Social Security SSD or SSI benefits. At each stage, there is a chance your case may be denied by the Social Security Administration or the Federal representatives reviewing your case. When you are denied, there is a specific time limit for you to decide whether you will proceed to the next stage, so it is important to act quickly to preserve your rights. With a wealth of public sector experience and perspective, the attorneys at Papa & Roberts will guide you through each and every step of the benefits process so you can respond quickly and effectively:
- Initial disability review: Your initial application will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration to determine if your condition qualifies you for disability benefits. If your claim for Social Security Benefits is denied at this level, you and/or your attorney or designated representative can also request that your denial be reconsidered and reviewed again.
- Administrative Hearing appeal: If your initial application is denied by the Social Security Administration, you have 60 days to seek an administrative hearings appeal. A Federal Administrative Law Judge will consider evidence from your doctors and other testimony, documents and records offered by you. The judge bases his or her decision on the evidence presented, ignoring previous denials and any reasons for them. The hearing is informal and represents the best opportunity to have your application approved.
- Appeals Council review: If your hearing appeal is unsuccessful, you have 60 days to formally request that the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council review your case. While you can send in a written argument, new documentation or other testimony will generally not be considered. The Council will review your file and documentation already submitted and render its decision based on that previously submitted information.
- Federal Court review: Should your case be denied by the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council, you have 60 days to file a formal lawsuit in your Federal District Court. The Court will not consider new evidence. Only the transcript from your administrative law hearing and medical records will be reviewed by the judge, so it is important that your record is accurate within the first 2-3 steps in this process.
When filing for Social Security benefits, it is essential that your case be prepared properly for each step in the process. When you appeal to Federal Court, the judge will review whether or not proper procedure was followed by the Social Security Administration. It is crucial that you have a Social Security Disability lawyer by your side capable of answering legal and procedural questions raised by this court.
Our attorneys at Papa & Roberts can serve as your trusted advisors through each step of the Social Security application and appeals process, from the initial application all the way through the Federal Court review.
- Social Security Disability Applications and Appeals Home Page
- Helpful Tips for Filing
- Disability Requirements
- After Your Application Is Denied
- How We Are Paid
- SSA GRIDS
- Information on the Social Security Administration's GRIDS
Contact us today to discuss your disability application.
