At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our Santa Barbara Social Security Income (SSI) lawyers have protected the rights of California residents since 1956. We understand that when even one person is denied SSI benefits, their financial stability can be significantly compromised, and we want to help.
If your SSI application has been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves several steps requiring extensive supporting paperwork and documentation, and it is essential to follow the procedures carefully.
Here is how we can help.
We Can File a Request for Reconsideration on Your Behalf
The first step in the appeals process is to request a reconsideration. You must do this within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
The reconsideration process requires tangible proof to support your medical condition, including any changes since your initial application and any new medical evidence.
To accurately submit your appeal, our SSI attorneys will gather, review, outline, and include any updated medical records, physician reports, and other relevant documents to support your claim’s need for reconsideration.
To ensure the reconsideration process is unbiased, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must assign a different SSA examiner or team to review your case, including the new evidence and your initial application.
We aim to provide as much supporting evidence as possible to substantiate an approval during your claim’s reconsideration. If your claim is secondarily denied, we will request an official administrative hearing to present your case for review by an administrative law judge.
What Happens During an SSI Denial Administrative Hearing?
Our skilled SSI attorneys will request an administrative hearing if your claim is denied after the reconsideration. There are tight deadlines surrounding this request, so time is of the essence.
The administrative hearing is a critical step in the appeals process.
We will present your well-prepared case to an administrative law judge, including all relevant medical records, documents, and statements.
Experienced SSI legal representation will protect your legal rights and options as we provide detailed information about your disability and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
After the hearing, the administrative law judge will issue a written decision. This decision may affirm your claim and award you SSI benefits or uphold the denial.
If the administrative law judge’s decision is unfavorable, we can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council.
The Appeals Council can either deny your request for review or agree to hear your case.
If the Appeals Council denies your request for review or if you disagree with their decision, our final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court.
Throughout the appeals process, it is crucial to meet all deadlines and provide as much evidence as possible to support your disability claim — that is why we are here. With over six decades of experience, our SSI attorneys are prepared to fight for our clients and win.
We have six physical offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, and Visalia, and our top-tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California. We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help appeal your denied SSI benefits.