What Now? Find Out What You Should Be Doing After Getting Turned Down For SSDI

It can be difficult for those unable to work to be turned down for the benefits they need so badly. However, many applicants do get denied and must move on to the next steps. If you have applied and been turned down for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), read below and learn what you should be doing next.

Read Your Letter

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends all applicants a letter by mail letting them know that their benefits have been denied. Also included in the letter, is the reason for the denial and an important date. You only have a few weeks (60 days) to file a request for an appeal hearing after you receive this letter. If you miss the deadline, you might need to begin the application process over again. However, if you have a good reason to miss it, you can ask for an extension. For example, if you were too ill to attend to the appeal process, you might get an extension.

Speak to a Lawyer

All of those turned down for SSDI can get the help of a Social Security lawyer to prepare for the appeal hearing. The SSA approves certain social security lawyers to help claimants and provides guidance to the lawyers on how much they can charge for their services. Claimants don't pay the social security lawyer for their help right away—they pay only when their claim for benefits is approved after the appeal hearing. The money to pay the lawyer comes directly from their back pay. If the lawyer fails to get the claimant benefits, they don't owe the lawyer anything at all for their services. It's a win-win for the claimant.

Work on Your Appeal

Your lawyer will review your application and discuss with you the reason for the denial. In many cases, the denial is about your medical or mental condition. The SSA requires a high level of proof of medical issues so your lawyer will procure your medical records and they may also have you examined by a doctor for a better idea of your condition. Social security lawyers understand common reasons for a denial, and they also know how to prove that you need the benefits.

In some cases, appeal hearings are scheduled for months away. Be sure to keep in touch with your lawyer and continue to attend to your medical treatment. If your condition gets worse, tell your lawyer right away. To learn more, speak to a social security disability lawyer.