The denial of Social Security Disability benefits for your mental health condition can leave you feeling dejected. However, the appeals process empowers you to seek another review with the possibility of a better outcome.
Familiarizing yourself with the SSD appeals process can improve your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.
Request reconsideration
The first step in appealing a denied SSD claim involves filing a reconsideration request. This means asking the Social Security Administration to review the application again. It is important to submit additional medical evidence, treatment records or statements from mental health professionals to support the claim. Keep in mind that you must file the request within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.
Prepare for a hearing with an administrative law judge
If the reconsideration request gets denied, the next step involves requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. At the hearing, you can present more evidence and provide testimony about how your mental health condition affects your daily life. Witnesses, such as family members or healthcare providers, can also testify. The judge will review the case and make a decision based on the evidence provided. It can take several months to schedule a hearing, but thorough preparation often improves the likelihood of success.
Appeal to the Appeals Council
If the ALJ issues a denial, you still have the right to appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review the case for any errors made by the ALJ. It can either approve the claim, send it back to the ALJ for further review or deny the request. Filing this appeal must happen within 60 days of the ALJ’s decision.
File a federal court appeal
If the Appeals Council denies the claim, you can then file an appeal in federal court. This step involves asking the court to review the case and determine if any legal errors occurred during the previous stages. While this process takes time, it provides a final opportunity to secure SSD benefits.