Social Security and Disability

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Making sure you follow every required step when filing a claim

Your first step in filing a claim for disability benefits is to file an application with your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. It’s important to know, however, that most applications are initially denied, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in this tough situation. There is a lengthy appeals process for denied claims, including:

• Request for reconsideration. Immediately after a denial, you can file a petition for reconsideration with the SSA. When you do so, another official from the department reviews your application. You are allowed to add medical records and any other information before this review.
• Hearing in front of an administrative law judge. If your claim is still denied, we can take your case to a hearing, where an administrative law judge will hear it. It takes a skilled West Memphis attorney to make the right arguments during this hearing.
• Social Security appeals council. The next step in the appeals process is to go to a Social Security appeals council to argue that the administrative law judge was wrong.
• Appeals to federal court. You still have options, even if your claim remains denied after review by the Social Security appeals council. We can help you seek an appeal in front of a federal district judge.