The Appeals Process
If your application for disability benefits is denied, you should not give in to frustration and give up hope. Because the Social Security system is overwhelmed by the number of applicants, it is common to receive a denial at first. But at the law firm of Byron A. Lassiter & Associates, P.C., our highly experienced claim appeals attorney in Mobile, along with our well trained staff, understand the system and can help you get the benefits you have earned.
Understanding the appeals process
Filing a claim in Alabama for Social Security disability benefits is not a simple process and it is common for disabled applicants to leave out important information or fail to provide enough medical or work evidence. But even if your application is denied, it does not mean that you do not actually have a right to disability benefits. Our Baldwin County claim appeals attorney and staff represent an average of 300 applicants each year whose claims have been denied and we are able to obtain benefits for about 90 percent of our clients. Using our in-depth expertise in Social Security disability law and our familiarity with local judges and the system, we offer representation through each step of your appeal.
- Reconsideration — The first level of appeal is reconsideration, which is a complete review of your application by a new examiner who did not make the first decision. We can also submit additional evidence to help support your claim at this level. If you were getting disability benefits, but your benefits ended because the SSA says your condition improved, our Mobile claim appeals lawyer may also meet with a representative to argue for continued benefits.
- Hearing — The next level of appeal is a hearing before an administrative law judge. At this level, we can present evidence to the judge as well as witness testimony, including the testimony of medical and work experts. To learn more, please see our information on SSDI hearings in Alabama.
- Appeals Council review — If you are still denied at the hearing level, our Mobile claim appeals attorney can help you appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may deny our request if it believes the hearing decision was correct, but if it decides to review your case, it will either make the decision itself or send it back to an administrative law judge.
- Federal court review — The final level appeal is to file a lawsuit in Federal court.
Contact a highly experienced disability benefits appeals attorney
As a local claim appeals attorney in Baldwin County and Mobile County, certified specialist Byron A. Lassiter, along with his highly experienced support staff, has significant expertise helping clients through all steps of their appeal. To learn more about our services and how we may assist you, please contact us online or call toll free 800.544.3568. Initial consultations are free and there are no fees unless we win benefits for you.