- We Can Represent You During the Social Security Disability Appeals Process in Akron, OH
- Our Akron Lawyers Assist With Appeals for Both Types of SSD Benefits
- We Can Also Support Your Akron Social Security Disability Claim in Other Ways in Addition to an Appeal
- Call Berger and Green for Help From an Akron Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer
It is common to receive an initial denial of your Social Security Disability benefits. Do not be discouraged by an initial denial. It is not the time to give up. Instead, you can reach out and consult the appeals lawyers at Berger and Green for guidance in Akron, OH. We can review why your claim for benefits was denied, file your appeal on time, and represent you at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
When you call, we can start with a free consultation and walk you through how our Akron Social Security Disability lawyers approach an appeal, gather additional evidence, and fight for disability benefits you deserve.
We Can Represent You During the Social Security Disability Appeals Process in Akron, OH
We can help you at every stage of the process, you can even call with questions before you receive the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s decision about your claim. In fact, our Akron Social Security Disability appeals lawyers can file your initial application on your behalf. We encourage you not to wait and get started on your case as soon as you determine that you will be unable to work for a minimum of 12 months.
If your initial application is denied, your claim denial letter should state a reason why. Something as simple as incomplete contact information on your application can lead to a denial. You could learn your claim was rejected for the following reasons:
- You didn’t provide enough information.
- You provided irrelevant information.
- You don’t meet the requirements for benefits.
- You didn’t follow your doctor’s orders for treatment.
Alternatively, you could have received a denial letter because of non-medical issues, which is called a technical denial. That can include:
- Not having enough work credits
- Earning too much income
- Making errors or forgetting forms
- Being out-of-reach for follow-up information
These reasons don’t necessarily preclude you from making an appeal. In our 40 years of experience, our lawyers have encountered cases with these and other reasons for denial, so don’t assume you’re the exception. We can correct mistakes, meet any deadline, and stay available to those handling your claim to answer their questions.
The Appeals Process
According to the SSA, you have 60 days to file an appeal. This 60-day period begins from the date the agency notified you that it denied your application. We can prepare and file your appeal paperwork.
From there, our SSD lawyers serving Akron tackle the steps of the appeal process on at a time:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
Reconsideration
When your application undergoes reconsideration, someone not involved in the first review of your case looks over your application again.
Our SSD appeals attorneys working on your Akron case can file your request for reconsideration. Depending on the denial you received, we’ll send the form to Ohio Disability Determination Services (DDS) or the local Akron office.
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If you aren’t approved at the reconsideration stage, we can appeal your denial. The next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). As with the last step, the ALJ is someone who hasn’t reviewed your application before; they look at it with fresh eyes. We can represent you at hearing with an ALJ and tell you how to prepare and what to expect at your SSD hearing.
Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim, we can still send your case to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will either deny or dismiss your case, uphold the ALJ ruling, or approve your application. Again, we can handle this step of the claims process if we represented you at your hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.
Federal Court Review
After receiving a denial after the Appeals Council review, the final step in the appeals process is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationOur Akron Lawyers Assist With Appeals for Both Types of SSD Benefits
Depending on your disability, work history, and income, you could qualify for either or both types of SSD benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
You must apply separately for each type of benefit, which means you could receive denials for one or both. Our Ohio SSDI/SSI attorneys have experience with denials and can file your appeal at any stage of the claims process.
SSDI vs. SSI
The difference between SSDI and SSI boils down to your eligibility. SSDI provides benefits for people who have:
- A condition the SSA considers disabling
- Enough work experience to meet the requirements
- Made payments into Social Security
By contrast, SSI is based on income and assets. Akron applicants with a disabling condition but do meet the work requirements for SSDI can still apply for SSI if they have low income and limited resources.
When you bring on our firm during the application process and the appeals process, we can outline the differences more specifically in relation to your case.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpWe Can Also Support Your Akron Social Security Disability Claim in Other Ways in Addition to an Appeal
The work that goes into an appeal isn’t just filling out forms and appearing at hearings or meetings. In fact, our appeals lawyers aren’t just appeals lawyers—we are here to focus on your claim while you focus on your health.
Some logistical support we offer includes:
- Building a case for your benefits built on evidence
- Remaining accessible to you and to those reviewing your claim
- Spelling out complex Social Security Disability issues in plain language
- Answering all SSD-related questions
- Meeting all deadlines
What’s more, we never forget that you are struggling with a disability, so we respect your time and energy. What’s too often lost in the process of pursuing Social Security Disability benefits is the human element. We remember that you may be struggling and handle your case with patience and compassion.
We Will Work on Your Case at No Upfront Cost
Berger and Green will not charge you any attorney fees while we work on your case.
We know every relationship is built on trust, and this is one way we lay the foundation for our relationship with you. You pay us only when you receive your benefits.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationCall Berger and Green for Help From an Akron Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer
When you contact our Social Security Disability lawyers about your Akron case, you receive a free consultation. During that time, we will go over your application, the reason for your denial, and our plan to change that. Reach out today to get started.
