How to Win Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to individuals who are no longer able to work due to medical reasons. Being awarded benefits requires providing that the individual is unable to maintain any type of gainful employment due to the disability. Approximately 65 percent of disability claims are denied after the initial application.

Instructions

• 1

  Submit the initial application for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits as soon as possible. This application may be submitted online at ssa.gov or at your local SSA office. You will need information regarding your education and work history, medical conditions and treatment and medical providers to complete this initial application. The start date for SSD benefits, if awarded, typically begins around the date that the initial application was submitted. If your initial application is denied, proceed to step 2.

• 2

  Complete form SSA-561-U2 "Request for Reconsideration," which is available from ssa.gov and your local SSA office. Submit this form to your local SSA office within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. If your claim is denied after reconsideration, proceed to step 3.

• 3

  Complete and submit form HA501-U5 "Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge." This form is available from ssa.gov and your local SSA office. This must be completed within 60 days of the date on your denial letter.

• 4

  Gather evidence supporting your case for disability. This information includes medical records from all medical providers, documentation from employers, assessments from vocational rehabilitation clinics, statements from personal acquaintances and any other source that can provide evidence supporting your disability. Submit copies of all of this evidence at least 14 days prior to your scheduled hearing with the administrative law judge (ALJ).

• 5

  Prepare yourself for questions typically asked by SSA during the ALJ hearing. Be able to clearly state reasons with supporting documentation why you are unable to return to previous types of work. Be able to answer questions regarding why you would be unable to perform clerical jobs or manual labor.

• 6

  Attend the hearing with the ALJ. You will be allowed to testify during this hearing. SSA typically has a medical doctor and a vocational specialist who will testify at this hearing. You will receive a decision by mail within approximately 30 days after this hearing. If your appeal is denied, proceed to step 7.

• 7

  Complete and submit form HA-520 "Request for Review of Decision/Order of ALJ" within 60 days of the date listed on your denial letter. Another ALJ will review your case and will make a decision. You will not attend a hearing during this step. If your claim is denied after review, proceed to step 8.

• 8

  Hire an attorney that specializes in Social Security disability cases and have the attorney file an appeal against SSA in District Court on your behalf. This must be done within 120 days of the date on the previous denial letter. This requires attending a hearing in federal court.