How to Appeal for Disability Insurance

The U.S. Social Security Administration provides disability insurance to individuals with a significant work history. Private insurance companies may also provide disability insurance for people who are unable to work due to a disability. Except in certain cases, such as blindness, obtaining disability benefits after the initial application is unlikely. If you are denied benefits, you have the right to appeal the unfavorable decision.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out the the time frame within which an appeal must be filed after a denial letter is received. For Social Security disability, an appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date on your denial notice. This time frame may vary between private disability insurance providers, so check the notice for information.

• 2

  File an appeal letter with Social Security or the private insurer within the allotted time frame. Follow the stated procedures for filing an appeal, which vary between disability insurance providers.

• 3

  Hire an attorney who specializes in disability cases. Disability attorneys typically only charge a fee if the case is decided in your favor. For Social Security disability cases, the lawyer will collect $6,000 or 25 percent of your back-payment amount, whichever is less, if you win your case.

• 4

  Compile all the medical, employment, educational and any other records you have that support your disability case. These records should clearly state and provide evidence that you are unable to work due to your disability.

• 5

  Attend any required hearings. Be ready to answer specific questions about your disability, including how it impairs your ability to complete daily living tasks, such as bathing and household cleaning, or to maintain gainful employment. If you previously worked in a physically demanding job, you will likely need evidence that you are unable to do less physically demanding work, such as a clerical position.

• 6

  Comply with all medical recommendations. If you are noncompliant with medical treatment for your disability, you may be denied benefits on the assumption that you might be able to maintain gainful employment if you received adequate treatment.