Many people rely on disability benefits to support themselves and their families when they are unable to work because of a disability or a health condition. To become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), an applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have earned enough work credits to be eligible for benefits and that they have a medical condition that affects their ability to work such that it falls within the SSA’s definition of disability. If you believe you meet these requirements, you can complete and file an SSDI application online or by making an appointment. Receiving notice that you were denied disability benefits in Michigan can be disheartening, especially when you need this assistance to support yourself when you are unable to work. In fact, the majority of first-time SSDI applications are denied (an average of 21 percent of first-time applicants are awarded benefits), so you are far from alone in having your application denied.
However, as discouraging as a denial of an SSDI application may be, it is important to recognize that you have options for continuing to pursue these benefits. Your first option is to file a Social Security disability reconsideration request with the SSA, asking for an additional review and decision. Even if this path does not result in an approval of your SSA application, there are still other options available to you. Enlisting the guidance of a highly experienced and trusted Michigan disability lawyer is encouraged so that you can move through this process with greater understanding and confidence. In this post, we’ll explore what to do after an SSDI denial in Michigan and how to navigate the SSDI appeal process with greater ease.
How to Appeal an SSDI Denial in Michigan
As soon as you learn that your SSDI application has been denied, you can explore your options for appealing this decision. The SSA allows applicants to submit a request for reconsideration within sixty days of the initial denial. You can do this online at ssa.gov. As you prepare to file this reconsideration request, it is helpful to work with a knowledgeable Michigan SSDI attorney who can review your application to identify the reasons for the initial denial. From there, this dedicated legal professional can help you address these issues, submit additional medical evidence (if necessary), and strengthen your claim to maximize your chances of having your request for reconsideration accepted by the SSA.
Why SSDI Applications Get Denied
More often than not, first-time SSDI applications result in denials. The SSA may deny SSDI claims for any number of reasons, ranging from a lack of or insufficient medical evidence to incomplete applications. In other cases, the SSA may deny an application because it finds that the applicant earns above the substantial gainful activity limit or that the application is missing critical information. Once you and your attorney have determined potential issues that have resulted in the claim’s denial, you can prepare the SSDI reconsideration request from a strategic standpoint.
Navigating the SSDI Appeal Process in Michigan
When you are ready to file a Social Security disability reconsideration request, you will need to specify whether you are seeking a request for reconsideration due to medical or non-medical reasons. Those seeking reconsideration requests for medically-related reasons may submit additional documentation or medical evidence that gives the SSA a more detailed and comprehensive picture of the nature, extent, and prognosis of the medical condition or disability. You may also include written explanations from medical professionals or doctors to more fully support your request for SSDI benefits. If you are seeking a reconsideration request because of a denial based on another factor, such as incomplete financial documentation or missing information, you will also have the opportunity to submit documentation to clear up these gaps or errors. Once you submit your reconsideration request, you can check the status of the appeal using the SSA’s online portal. If the SSA denies your request for reconsideration, it is essential to understand that you still have appeal rights to pursue these benefits.
What To Do When a Request for Reconsideration is Denied
Should the SSA notify you that your request for reconsideration has been denied, it’s worth contacting your Michigan SSDI attorney to assess your options. The next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which may seem somewhat intimidating. However, your attorney will work with you to prepare for this hearing and strengthen your case as much as possible. They will be able to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with the support you need to approach the hearing with greater confidence.
If your claim is denied after a hearing, you may still request a review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council. If that still does not end favorably, you may file a civil action with the nearest U.S. district court. The key takeaway is to realize that there are many components to the SSDI appeals process, and that your journey does not end with the denial of your first application. With a caring and trusted Michigan SSDI lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that your best interests will be at the heart of every decision you make.
Learning that your SSDI claim has been denied can be confusing and frustrating. That’s why the dedicated legal team at Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, is committed to partnering with you to make sure you understand your rights and options. Together, we can identify the most strategic path forward that aims to secure you the benefits you need. Please reach out to our Ann Arbor, Michigan office today at (734) 769-9300 to get started with an experienced and caring SSDI attorney.
