What To Do When Your SSDI Or SSI Claim Is Denied
If you filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but then have your claim denied, do not give up hope. You can appeal the decision but must do so quickly.
Mr. Ahlers will guide you through each step in the SSDI/SSI appeals process. Though the process can be lengthy and at times stressful, we know that those who work with an experienced attorney like Mr. Ahlers stand a much better chance of getting the benefits they need and deserve.
Why Was My Claim Denied?
Most Social Security claims are denied because the right information or documentation was not presented. Social Security will consider any medical condition which in any way interferes you’re your physical or mental ability to work on a sustained basis.
Mr. Ahlers will help you gather the appropriate documentation to demonstrate how your condition makes it impossible for you to maintain or sustain employment.
Requesting Reconsideration
If your initial SSDI/SSI application is denied, you must file a Request for Reconsideration. This form gives you the opportunity to explain why you believe your claim should be reconsidered. You must also submit a detailed Disability Report which Mr. Ahlers will prepare for you.
Requesting A Hearing
In many cases it will be necessary to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which will take place at Social Security’s Office of Hearings Operations in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Lexington and Mr. Ahlers has had many hearings in all these offices. The hearing gives you the opportunity for the first time to appear before the person who will be deciding your claim.
While the process is administrative, it can feel adversarial, especially without a lawyer by your side. Mr. Ahlers will fully prepare you for your hearing before the Administrative Law Judge and will attend the hearing with you as your advocate.
Further Steps to Appeal
After the hearing, a decision will be mailed to you explaining whether benefits were granted or denied. There is one further appeal available which is to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. If your claim is denied at that level, you can file suit against the Social Security Administration in U.S. District Court. Unlike most attorneys who give up when the administrative appeals have been exhausted, Mr. Ahlers has filed many such court appeals in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
We Are Ready to Help
No matter where in the Social Security process you find yourself, call Mr. Ahlers at 513-621-1652 to schedule a free initial consultation. Mr. Ahlers generally handles these cases on a contingent fee basis. This simply means that payment of a fee is “contingent” or “conditional” on benefits being granted. This also simply means that Mr. Ahlers must work hard for you if he wants to be compensated for his time. There is no fee that is due unless benefits are granted. * The fee is 25% of past due benefits awarded (usually subject to a “cap” or maximum fee in an amount that is set by the Social Security Administration).
* You will have to pay for any out of pocket expenses incurred regardless of the outcome.
