THE WORST MISTAKE YOU CAN MAKE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

What's the worst mistake you can make when trying to get Social Security disability?

Answer:  Waiting too long to file an appeal when you're denied.

In about 70 percent of cases, applicants will get a letter saying, "You are not disabled under our rules."  This is the standard response to most applications.

 The most important thing to do after being "denied" is to file a written appeal, called a "Request for Reconsideration." THIS MUST BE DONE WITH 60 DAYS. This will also be denied. 

 Then, within 60 days, another appeal must be filed which requests a hearing.  At this stage, you have a good chance to win and be paid.

However, if you wait longer than 60 days to file an appeal (at any step), your right to an appeal expires and this mistake can never be corrected.  So, your case only "lives" for 60 days after a denial unless you file an appeal.

You may be able to file a new application and start over.  This will require waiting another 6 months for an initial decision, then waiting 3 to 5 months for Reconsideration, then waiting 6 to 12 months for a hearing.  So,  starting over with a new application can delay your benefits by up to 2 years.  And, your insured period may expire before you file the new application, making it impossible to ever file a new claim.

BEST thing you can do:  File your appeal within 60 days of any denial.

----------

Need help with a Social Security appeal or hearing?  Call the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.