{"id":353910,"date":"2023-05-28T15:36:11","date_gmt":"2023-05-28T20:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/social-security-disability-appeals-process.html"},"modified":"2026-02-26T16:44:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T21:44:26","slug":"social-security-disability-appeals-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/social-security-disability-appeals-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Disability Appeals Process and Legal Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Security Disability Appeals Process and Legal Help<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) denies most initial disability claims<\/span>. Claim denials happen even when the claimant<\/span> submits everything required during the application process. Appealing a denied disability claim<\/span> is the next step.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you apply for disability benefits<\/span>, you submit your initial application<\/span> to the SSA<\/span>. Your application should include medical records<\/span> that describe your medical condition<\/span>. These records should prove your eligibility for Social Security benefits.\u00a0SSA<\/span> sends your disability application to your state\u2019s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.<\/p>\n

The DDS might deny your Social Security <\/span>disability benefits<\/span>. But a denial at the initial level doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t win your disability case. You may choose to file an appeal.<\/p>\n

While you can begin this process on your own, you may want to hire a disability law attorney<\/a> instead. They can help you with the many forms and deadlines in the appeals process<\/span>. They can also assist with providing the right evidence to support your claim.<\/p>\n

Why Was My Initial Disability Claim<\/span> Denied?<\/h2>\n

Before you request reconsideration<\/span>, it\u2019s important to understand why the SSA<\/span> denied your case<\/a> in the first place.<\/p>\n

The SSA<\/span> may deny disability claims<\/span> for the\u00a0following reasons:<\/p>\n