The Process for Social Security Disability Appeal

Filing an initial Social Security disability claim is full of intricacies and nuances that can become frustrating. After all of that frustration, it can be disappointing if your claim has been denied. However, initial Social Security disability claims are denied about 50% of the time. Fortunately, you have the option to file a Social Security disability appeal.

The Social Security disability appeal process can vary from state to state. In order to give your case the best chance of success, you should hire a Social Security disability lawyer to assist you throughout the process. At RGG Law, we are well-versed in the Social Security disability appeal process for the state of Missouri. In today’s RGG Law blog, we take a look at the steps in Missouri’s disability appeal process.

After Your Initial Claim Was Denied

While other states have a Request for Reconsideration step in the Social Security disability appeal process, the state of Missouri does not have that step. Instead, after your initial claim has been denied, you proceed to the Request for Hearing. At this point, your disability claim is added to the list of other disability appeals. The Social Security Administration will then set a hearing whenever a spot opens up on a disability judge’s docket. Depending on the influx of cases, the wait for a hearing in front of a judge can take about 12 months. They will contact you a few months in advance to inform you of your hearing date and allow for enough time to properly work up the file.

After Your Social Security Disability Appeal Hearing

Once you have had your hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge, the verdict will be sent in the mail, typically in 1 to 3 months. If your claim was denied at the hearing level, you still have another step to appeal that decision. Your case will go to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council will review your case and make a final decision. The Appeals Council process can take anywhere from a few months to upwards of a year or longer to reach a decision.

Social Security Disability Help from RGG Law

If you are considering filing for Social Security disability, hire a disability attorney team that will work with you every step of the way. The team at RGG Law has the years of knowledge and experience to handle your case and give you the best chance of success. For more information on our services and to schedule your consultation, contact RGG Law today.