Leesburg SSD Claims Process Attorney
The Social Security Disability claims process can be relatively quick and easy, or drag on for many months or years. But, it is important to keep in mind that many disabled individuals are initially denied, and by working with experienced attorneys are eventually granted the disability benefits they need. Our Leesburg SSD claims process attorney at Shea A. Fugate, P.A. can walk you through the entire process, step by step, and will be there for you when complications arise.
Filing The Initial SSD Benefit Application
The Social Security Administration makes filing an SSD benefit claim fairly simple. It can be accomplished online, in person, or over the phone. However, it takes four to five months to hear back with the SSA’s decision.
Approval or Denial
If your claim is approved straight away, congratulations. You do not need to take any other major action. However, if your claim is denied, your best option is to begin working with an attorney.
Requesting a Reconsideration
You can request a second reviewer to look over your claim and make a decision if the first reviewer denied your claim. If you have new evidence, such as new medical evidence, you can include it. However, if you do not have any new evidence, your chances of being approved are slim. Most applicants are denied during the reconsideration phase. The good news is that most denied applicants who stick with it are eventually approved on appeal.
Requesting a Hearing
A hearing must be scheduled no later than 65 days after being denied. During the 30 to 45 minute hearing, your attorney will ask you questions about your disability in front of an Administrative Law Judge, who will have the opportunity to listen and consider your case. The ALJ judge will make a decision within two months of the hearing.
Appeals Council
After the hearing, if the ALJ judge denies benefits, there are still two more options for being approved. You have 60 days after the hearing denial to appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals council can accept your case, deny it, or send it back to the ALJ judge. However, it may take a year to get a decision from the appeals council, but you should continue getting medical treatment during this time if under a doctor’s care.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the appeals court declines to hear your case, or upon hearing your case decides to uphold the original decision, you have 60 days to file a lawsuit in federal court. While this may sound drastic, do not give up hope just yet. The attorneys at Shea A. Fugate, P.A. are particularly skilled at federal court appeals of SSD benefit denials.
Contact a Leesburg Social Security Disability Claims Lawyer Today
Being approved for SSD benefits right after filing a claim is everyone’s dream, though for many the process is not nearly this simple or fast. The SSA has a very stringent approval process, and thousands of applicants are denied each week. To give yourself the greatest opportunity for success, call the Leesburg Social Security Disability lawyers at Shea A. Fugate, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation .
