Since 1940, Social Security in the United States has been providing monthly benefits to retired people. In 1956 disability benefits were added. Rarely do those applying for retirement benefits ever encounter any problems with their application, unfortunately, for those applying for disability benefits the same cannot be said. Approximately three quarters of all applications for Social Security disability benefits are denied. It is at this time when many applicants turn to a Social Security lawyer in Novi for assistance with the appeals process.
The appeals process:
When your initial application for benefits is denied, there are four levels of appeal:
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Reconsideration
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Hearing
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Appeals Council
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Federal Court
Reconsideration: This is a review of your original application; it is undertaken by someone that was not involved in the initial decision to deny benefits. A Social Security lawyer in Novi can review your application and include new evidence if available.
Hearing: This is actually the first time you will see a person, the reconsideration phase is conducted via the mail. The hearing is conducted in the presence of an administrative law judge; the judge was also not part of prior decisions. It is at this stage when a Social Security lawyer in Novi is of tremendous help, they will prepare you for the types of questions you can expect to be asked and you and your lawyer can also ask questions of the judge. You can bring witnesses with you to attest to the fact that you are disabled and unable to perform any meaningful work.
Appeals Council: A high percentage of denials of benefits are overturned at the hearing stage, however, there are those that will be elevated to the next step which is the appeals council. The council will review everything that has taken place to date, if they find reason to return it to an official they will, they also have the right to uphold the denial.
If you disagree with the decision of the appeals council, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Trying to get disability benefits can prove to be very time consuming and complex. If you are looking for a Social Security Lawyer in Novi to help you are invited to contact website.
