The appeals process for Disability or SSI benefits

The social security administration does not go out of its way to advise applicants for social security disability (ssd, ssdi) and ssi disability of this simple and unfortunate fact: most disability application are turned. In fact, by more than a two to one ratio, claims for disability are routinely denied.

Because approximately seventy percent of all claims for social security disability and ssi are turned down, individuals who file for ssdi (social security disability insurance) benefits must avail themselves of the appeal process that has been set in place by SSA, or the social security administration.

Why is it important to follow the appeals process for ssd or ssi disability benefits. Simply for this reason---the only alternative to not following the appeals process is either give up or file a new ssd or ssi application. And this, in the vast majority of instances, is just a bad idea since it will typically result in a disability claim simply being denied again.

How does the appeals process for ssd and ssi work? Here's how. Once an application or claim for disability benefits has been denied, a claimant will be sent a written denial notice or letter. As the letter indicates, the applicant will be given 60 days in which to file an appeal. And this means 60 days from the date stamped on the denial notice. The thought may have occurred to you that this is not particularly fair since the date on a notice of denial is several days prior to when you received it. Actually, social security takes this account and actually gives you (though they never tell you this) an additional five days for mailing time. So, in truth, you really have 65 days to get your ssd or ssi appeal file. Nonetheless, you should absolutely not wait to get the process started. In fact, the best advice you can follow in this regard is simply to get the appeals process as soon as you become aware that your claim has been denied.