Applying for Social Security Disability can be a major and pivotal step to take. Individuals living with disabilities in Florida and elsewhere are likely dealing with challenges related to the disability. This can make it difficult to maintain a job, obtain necessary medical care and even meet their basic living needs.
Thus, being approved for SSD benefits can be crucial. Unfortunately, many applicants are denied initially. Nonetheless, applicants should not let this discourage them because there are opportunities in the SSD benefits process to question any decisions made, and appeal these decisions.
What rights do SSD applicants have to question a decision? The Social Security Administration states that they carefully look at all the facts of a claim before making a decision regarding eligibility. While this is true, some facts may not be clear or fully supported. Because of this, applicants can take steps to understand why a certain decision was made and what steps they may need to take to successfully appeal a decision.
Immediately following an initial decision, an applicant can seek reconsideration. This means that his or her case is looked at again. If the SSA determines that their decision was wrong, they will change it. However, if they stand by their original decision, an applicant will have to appeal this decision. It is important to note that there are four levels of appeals, which allows an applicant several chances to achieve a favorable decision.
Hearing bad news is never easy, but being denied disability benefits is not the end all for applicants. They have rights to understand why a certain decision was made, and they have the ability to take action to supplement their applicant with vital information. This could help the applicant obtain a favorable decision and receive the benefits he or she needs.
Source: SSA.gov, “Your Right To Question The Decision Made On Your Claim,” accessed April 30, 2017
