More than 12 million people who are disabled rely on benefits received from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The monthly benefit payments they get from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs help them pay their bills and avoid financial struggles caused by a disabling physical or mental health impairment that prevents them from working.
If you are disabled and unable to work, the process to get SSDI and SSI benefits and to retain them once approved is difficult. In fact, most applicants receive a denial letter at the conclusion of the initial determination process.
However, help is available from an experienced and compassionate San Rafael disability benefits lawyer at Sackett and Associates. People throughout California have relied upon the skills and knowledge of a San Rafael SSDI lawyer for more than 40 years to help them win and keep the disability benefits they need to support themselves and their families.
Making a difference in the application process
People who try to navigate through the application process on their own are confronted by unyielding regulations and procedures that can result in delays and claim denials unless applicants fully comply with them. Claims that are not accompanied by sufficient medical evidence to support are delayed as Social Security waits for your health care providers to submit them.
The difference that a San Rafael SSI lawyer from Sackett and Associates makes in the application process is knowing the information that must be included in an application to support a disability claim. We also make certain that applications contain only accurate and truthful information about the claim that can be supported by medical records and other forms of evidence.
You have the right to appeal a denial of benefits
If your claim is denied, you have the right to challenge it through the disability appeal process. The following is an overview of the steps in the process and how a San Rafael disability lawyer can make a difference:
Reconsideration: Reconsideration of an application by a different examiner is the first level in the appeal process. Lawyers experienced in SSI and SSDI claims can identify the weaknesses in your application and make them stronger by submitting updated medical records or other evidence.
Hearing by an Administrative Law judge: A disability lawyer has the skills to present and question witnesses, including vocational experts, and present medical records and other evidence supporting the claim.
Appeals Council review: The Appeals Council reviews the decision made by an Administrative Law judge. A San Rafael SSD lawyer can make a difference in the outcome at this level by preparing a written brief highlighting errors in the hearing decision and arguments why the decision should be reversed.
Federal court review: Using a disability lawyer familiar with Federal Court procedures is essential to challenge an adverse outcome at the Appeals Council level.
A Sackett and Associates disability lawyer gives you the best chance of success when challenging a denial of benefits through an in-depth knowledge of Social Security law, regulations, and procedures.
Speak to a Sackett and Associates disability lawyer
A San Rafael disability lawyer gives you access to a wealth of legal knowledge and hands-on experience resolving all types of issues associated with SSI and SSDI benefits. Learn more by contacting Sackett and Associates today.
