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My Disability Claim
Was Denied. What Should
I Do Next?
Most importantly, don’t give up.
It’s frustrating — sometimes even heart-breaking — when the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim for disability. You might have been counting on those benefits to keep food on the table and support your household.
And while the appeals process can be a complicated process, you can still get disability benefits by appealing.
Most people who apply are turned down. But at Baynetta M. Jordan, P.C., Attorney at Law, our goal is to turn your denial into an approval.
We proudly help people in Lubbock, Plainview, Levelland or anywhere in West Texas when you’re facing difficult times and the government tries to stand in your way.
There are four levels at
the administrative level:
- Reconsideration: This is a review of your claim by someone who was not involved in the original decision. Your original evidence is reviewed along with any new information you provide.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): These hearings take place in the Social Security Administration’s offices. At this stage, you get to present your evidence before a judge who will issue a ruling. Decisions are issued at this level and this is where many cases are decided favorably.
- Appeals Council: If the ALJ still denies your benefits, you can ask Social Security’s Appeals Council to review your case. The council could send your case back to the ALJ for a new hearing.
- Federal Court Review: If you disagree with the Appeals Council decision, you can file a lawsuit in Federal District Court. You must have an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court in Texas to represent you at this level. Baynetta Jordan is admitted and licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court in Texas and regularly practices and handles federal court appeals.
No matter where you stand in the appeals process, you are strongly encouraged to get legal help.
It’s important to work with a lawyer who practices disability in your area as they will know the local decision makers and be familiar with local resources to provide valuable help to you. If you were denied, your case isn’t over; contact us for a free evaluation.
Important!
If you received a denial letter, the clock is ticking. You have only 60 days to file your appeal. Don’t miss this important deadline!
How Do I Prepare for
My Hearing?
Your hearing is often the most important stage in the process. This hearing takes place before an Administrative Law Judge and is the best chance to present your evidence in person. It’s very important that you and your evidence are fully prepared. If you’ve received a denial letter, we strongly recommend you call us for help.
Disability attorney Baynetta Jordan will:
- Prepare your case and set the strategy
- Analyze your Social Security file
- Prepare you to testify
- Gather all the evidence from your doctors and other medical providers
- Question witnesses
- Cross-examine any medical and vocational experts at your hearing
Social Security sometimes brings in expert witnesses to provide testimony. Baynetta Jordan knows how to present evidence to help your chances and to cross-examine these experts, if necessary.
Working with a Lawyer Improves
Your Chances of Getting Benefits
Social Security’s own data shows you have a higher chance of being awarded disability benefits when you have representation. Since there are no legal fees if you don’t win benefits, the decision to get legal help is an easy one.
Baynetta M. Jordan, P.C., Attorney at Law, has the experience and knowledge of disability law to help with your appeal. Contact us now for a free consultation.