How To Appeal A Social Security Disability Denial
After you file your application for social security disability, it will take 30 to 90 days for the Social Security Administration to make an initial decision. Most people get denied at this stage even if their medical conditions are significant and severe. Don’t despair.
When you get the denial in the mail, you only have 60 days to file an appeal. In most states, including Texas, the first appeal is called a Request For Reconsideration. It’s a form you have to fill out online. It’s called a Form 561, and you can find it at ssa.gov. When you file that appeal, a different group of people is assigned to review your application all over again. And again, expect another denial.
Once the request for reconsideration is denied, you should request a hearing before a judge. This request has to be filed within 60 days of receiving the denial of the request for reconsideration. You can do this one online too, just fill out Form 501 at ssa.gov.
Wait a few days and then call the Social Security Administration and confirm that they got your request for a hearing. After that, it will be many months before you hear back from the SSA with a date for your hearing.
You can hire an attorney to help you with this process. An attorney will usually do it all for you, and it shouldn’t cost you anything until you are awarded benefits.