If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disabling physical or psychological condition, you can apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, even with a valid condition, the SSA may still deny your application. Here, a Melbourne administrative hearings lawyer can file an effective appeal.
When you connect with Bogin, Munns & Munns, we will explain the four-stage appeals process and represent you through all necessary procedures. We will review your personal and financial information for accuracy, as well as examine your required medical evidence. We will also file your appeal on time.
We Represent Applicants in Both SSD Programs
Our administrative hearings lawyer in Melbourne helps claimants pursue:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI benefits are for disabled people who have worked jobs that pay Social Security taxes. It’s a work-credit-based system, meaning your eligibility depends on your earnings and work history.
Social Security Income (SSI)
SSI benefits are intended to meet the needs of disabled individuals who have limited financial resources. This is not a work-credit-based system. Your eligibility depends on your countable assets. As of 2022, you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets to qualify for SSI.
To consult with an experienced administrative hearings lawyer serving Melbourne, call 855-780-9986
You Have Multiple Options for Appealing Your Application’s Denial
The four stages of the appeals process include:
- Reconsideration — A reconsideration is a comprehensive review of your application by an administrator who did not participate in the original review or decision-making process.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) –– Here, another representative who did not take part in your application’s initial decision will review your case. They may approve your application at this stage.
- Review by the Appeals Council — This entails a careful review of your application to ensure your denial meets the SSA’s laws and regulations.
- Federal Court review — Essentially, this is a lawsuit our firm will file on your behalf in the appropriate federal district court. Most disability applications do not reach this stage.
The appeals process can be a long, frustrating process to manage on your own. Yet, you don’t have to go through this ordeal alone. Bogin, Munns & Munns is ready to stand by your side. Our administrative hearings lawyer in Melbourne is ready to start pursuing your disability benefits today.
Our Law Firm Will Explain the Administrative Hearing Process
If you’ve reached this stage of the appeals process, you’ve likely gone through the reconsideration stage already. Now, the next step is to present your case to an ALJ. This may feel intimidating.
Yet, in service of your appeal, we will:
- Request the hearing. Requesting a hearing is a complex process in and of itself. It’s also a time-sensitive matter. According to the SSA, your request must be made within 60 days of your denial or termination of benefits.
- Submit all required evidence. Officials who did not partake in your application’s initial review may want more information. We will include more evidence to support your right to benefits.
- Prepare you for the hearing. During your hearing, the ALJ will review the reasons for your application’s denial. You’ll have a chance to testify about your disabling condition and its impact on your life.
If the ALJ hearing does not result in an approved application, we will help you through the final two appeals stages.
Melbourne Administrative Hearings Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
We Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Benefits Appeal
Our law firm understands the complexities you face when appealing your denied benefits application. We have helped clients just like you understand the requirements of the appeals process.
To strengthen and support your request for benefits, our SSD team will:
- Review your original application and its attachments
- Assess any new evidence that supports your appeal
- Clarify state and federal SSD rules, laws, and regulations
- Ensure you and any witnesses are prepared to testify
- Handle all case-related communications on your behalf
Our team will do everything in its power to secure what you need.
Click to contact our Melbourne Administrative Hearings Lawyers today
Why Would the SSA Deny a Disability Application?
The SSA denies more than 50 percent of the SSA applications it gets. This requires many people to progress through the appeals process to get benefits. Some reasons for a claim’s denial may include:
- There isn’t enough information to support that the claimant has a disability.
- The application isn’t properly filled out.
- The claimant applied for the wrong program (for instance, applying for SSDI instead of SSI).
- The claimant included inaccurate information.
As noted, if the SSA denies a claim, it must give a reason why. We can examine the reason for your claim’s denial and implement an appropriate strategy.
Submit a Consultation Request form today
Recommendations for Bogin, Munns & Munns
Our law firm is committed to providing communicative, client-focused legal care and support. We work hard to earn reviews and referrals like the following:
- Roanne Coplin: When I realized that I would lose my social security due to the new [business] income I was earning, I went to BM&M for help. They set me up with a legal special business account so that my social security payments would not be affected.
- Martha Alonso: The lawyers and the case manager were very helpful, so professional, and incredibly nice! Always kept me up to date on the process and would answer all my questions. If I ever need them again, I will contact them! Highly recommend!
Our Social Security Disability team is passionate about helping clients get the medical and financial benefits they need and deserve.
Contact Our SSD Appeals Team Today
Were you or someone you love denied SSD benefits? Our administrative hearings lawyer representing clients in Melbourne can appeal a denied application. We will compile new and previously submitted evidence to combat the denial.
Our team will do everything in its power to secure the benefits you need. Contact one of our Bogin, Munns & Munns SSD appeals team members to learn more.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
