Social Security Disability
Denied Benefits and Appeals
A denial can be discouraging, especially when your health and ability to work have not improved. Stansberry Kinsley’s disability lawyers help people across Alabama understand Social Security’s decision and what can be done next.
How long do I have to appeal?
The general appeal deadline is 60 days after you receive the notice. Some requests to keep benefits going have shorter deadlines. Social Security also has rules about receipt dates and extensions, so the letter and the date it reached you both matter.
Start with your most recent notice and where your claim stands. You do not need every record before asking for a case review.
Your situation
What to understand first.
What does the denial mean?
The notice explains why Social Security made its decision. The next step depends on where your claim is in the process and whether the issue concerns medical evidence, work requirements, financial eligibility or something else.
We can review that explanation with you, compare it with the information already submitted and discuss what an appeal would need to address.
What are the stages of an appeal?
Social Security’s appeal process can include reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council and a case in federal district court. A claim does not necessarily go through every stage. The decision you received and the steps already taken determine where you are in that process.
What to keep
Start with the information you have.
Keep available records together. This is a starting list, not a requirement to gather everything before getting in touch.
What should I bring to the conversation?
Bring the complete decision and any later notices. Tell us about treatment, tests or changes in your health since the decision, along with anything Social Security may not yet have. That helps focus the discussion on the reasons for the denial and the information that could answer them.
Ask about timing early.
Social Security notices state the dates that apply to you, and some requests have short windows. Keep the notice and its envelope, note when it arrived, and ask for a prompt review of the dates in your notice.
The next step
What happens next.
A case review is a place to begin understanding the questions your claim raises.
Tell us where your claim stands.
Start with the program named in your paperwork, the stage your claim has reached, and the questions you want answered.
Review the available information.
Discuss your notices, the medical and work information already supplied, and anything Social Security has asked for.
Understand the next step.
Ask what further information may be needed and which next steps may be appropriate for your circumstances.
What will it cost?
In Social Security disability cases, the fee an attorney may charge is limited by federal law and must be approved by the Social Security Administration. We’ll explain the proposed fee and any case expenses in a written agreement before you decide whether to hire us.
Talk with us
If you have a denial letter, we can begin by reviewing it with you. Request a Free Case Review or call 844-327-5529.
Related reading: Social Security Disability Appeals Timeline · Disability Hearing · Claim already denied? We can appeal your denied disability claim. · 5 Things Judges Look for when Deciding a Disability Case.
You can start with the questions you have.