Don’t Wait to File Your Social Security Appeal
July 5, 2022
When you are denied Social Security Disability Benefits at any level, you generally have 60 days from the date of the decision to file an appeal. There are four levels of the SSDI appeals:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an administrative law judge
- Review by Appeals Council
- Federal Court review
One of the most common mistakes made by claimants filing for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) is waiting too long to file a claim. We break down why its important to file appeals in a timely manner, and what the possible consequences are to delaying.
You Have Less Time Than You Think to File Your Disability Appeal
The Social Security Administration denies most claims submitted by applicants, so don’t get discouraged. However, you can’t afford to delay your appeal.
If you miss the 60 day deadline for filing your appeal, you have to start the process over from the beginning — no matter what level you were at. This will ultimately delay when you start receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, should you win your claim.
Even if you do get your appeal in by the end of the 60 days, the longer you wait, the more negative effects it could have on your claim.
For example:
- Your medical information could be outdated.
- You could lose some back pay.
- You could’ve changed/updated how you’re treating your impairments.
- Your symptoms could’ve gotten worse.
Social Security needs your most recent medical information to make an accurate decision on your claim. The longer you wait, the less relevant the medical information they have is, and the less persuasive your case is.
The earlier you file your Social Security appeal, the more time you have to send the SSA your updated medical information.
Always Read Your Denial Letter
The two most important parts of your denial letter are:
- The date and the top, and
- The steps you need to take to file the appeal.
While 60 days is the common deadline established by Social Security, take the time to read the entire letter to ensure you know your filing deadline.
It is also very important to note that your 60 days starts from the date at the top of your denial letter, NOT the date you receive the letter.
Contact a Top Social Security Disability Attorney Today
When you hire an attorney at Kapor | Davis & Associates, your appeals will be covered. Not only will we file your appeals immediately, but we will also continue to update your medical records for the Social Security Administration so that they can keep accurate and updated medical evidence.
Our firm has guided many claimants through all stages of the appeals process, and we are here to help you do the same.