It's a well known fact that around 75 percent of disability claims are initially denied by Social Security. So, what do you do? Do you just keep reapplying again and again?
No. That is not the best way to approach winning disability. Once you have been denied, it is probable that you will be denied over and over. The same decision makers will look at the same evidence and make the same decision.
Usually, it is much better to appeal the denial and kick the case on up the chain of command to a higher level. In Alabama, that means asking for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ is not bound by any previous decisions and can give you a totally new decision if the evidence justifies it.
Appeals (also called "request for hearing") must be filed in writing and they must be filed with 60 days of the initial denial. After that, your lose the right to appeal.
An experienced advocate or representative may help you win your claim by directing the appeal process, gather new evidence, developing a legal theory of the case, attending your hearing with you and ensuring that you are paid the correct benefits. The typical fee arrangement is a percentage of the back pay you recover and you cannot be charged a representative's fee unless you recover back pay.
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