The Social Security Administration (SSA) holds strict standards for who is eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is why even the most trivial error in an SSDI application may bar you from these benefits. Follow along to find out whether you may appeal a denied SSDI application and how a proficient New Jersey SSDI appeals lawyer from The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you execute this.
Why might the SSA deny my SSDI application?
You may have put a generous effort toward petitioning for SSDI benefits. So it may be nothing short of disappointing, let alone confusing, when your petition ultimately gets rejected by the SSA. Below are examples of why the SSA may have denied your initial SSDI application:
- The SSA concluded that you had an inadequate amount of medical evidence in your initial SSDI application (for example, if you do not have any doctor’s notes that diagnose your health condition).
- The SSA concluded that you have a health condition that does not qualify for benefits (for example, if your health condition does not appear on their list or is not comparable to any condition on their list).
- The SSA concluded that you have participated in a substantial gainful activity (for example, if you have a job in which you earn more than $1,470 per month).
- The SSA concluded that you have not been employed enough or recent enough (for example, if you have not earned 40 credits, with 20 credits being from the last 10 years).
Is it possible to appeal a denied SSDI application?
Rest assured, you may be able to correct the error made in your initial SSDI application by filing an appeal. More specifically, you must submit a reconsideration appeal, which is essentially a second review of your initial application by a party who was not involved in the initial decision.
But if your reconsideration appeal is also denied, you may still rest assured knowing that you have another opportunity at obtaining these benefits. This opportunity is in the form of an Administrative Law Judge Hearing, which is essentially a trial that will have you answer questions and provide supplemental evidence for your claim. And if your claim is denied once more, you may take your case a step further with an appeal council hearing or a federal court appeal.
It must be noted that there is a small window of opportunity for this second chance at SSDI benefits. That is, you must file your appeal within 60 days from the date on which the decision to deny your initial application was made.
The bottom line is that if you were wrongfully denied SSDI benefits, you must have a talented New Jersey SSDI appeals lawyer in your corner. Call or send a message to The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur today. We look forward to hearing from you.
