It may feel discouraging to seek disability aid from the government but receive a denial letter instead. However, not all hope is lost. By following Tennessee’s appeal process, your denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can be re-assessed and approved. Here are four steps to follow in filing an SSDI appeal:
File a request for reconsideration
After you receive your disability denial letter, you will have a 60-day deadline to file your appeal. Start by reviewing your claim and adding any missing information. You can also gather additional medical records about your disability that can help strengthen your documentation.
Although hiring a social security disability lawyer is not mandatory for filing an appeal, having one can significantly improve your chances of approval.
Attend an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
Attending your scheduled ALJ hearing will give you an opportunity to discuss your case and situation in a private setting. Since these hearings are not open to the public, you can feel more comfortable presenting your case and additional medical evidence with the judge.
After your hearing, the ALJ will determine whether your appeal gets approved or denied.
File a review with the appeals court
If you receive a denial letter from your hearing, you can file a review request with the appeals court. During this process, the appeals council will re-evaluate the judge’s ruling on your claim. It is important to note that you will only have 60 days from the date you receive the hearing’s decision to file this request.
Take your case to a federal court
Although most claims do not reach this stage, you can take legal action on the federal level to challenge the denial of your SSDI. Keep in mind that a civil suit process is complex and time-consuming. You will also need the guidance of a social security disability lawyer to represent your case in court.
You are not alone on this journey
Remember, receiving a denial letter does not mean you cannot try again. Although your appeal process may seem challenging and emotionally taxing, getting approved of your SSDI benefits can make all your efforts feel even more rewarding.