Four Levels
of Social Security Disability Appeals
These are the levels of appeal in order from the first step to the most advanced stage:
- RECONSIDERATION – Hanley Disability will oversee this process of getting a second review of your claim. These reviews are done by someone at the Social Security Administration (SSA) who did not take part in the first decision. They review the original evidence, but you also can submit new information, which our team will present for you.
- HEARING BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE (ALJ) – An advocate from our team will go with you to this hearing to ensure the judge gets all the information he or she needs to approve your claim. For our area, these typically take place in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Most cases are won at this level.
- REVIEW BY APPEALS COUNCIL – If the ALJ denies your case, we may help you ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review that decision. The Appeals Council could approve your claim, deny it, or return your case to the ALJ for a new hearing.
- FEDERAL COURT REVIEW – If you disagree with the Appeals Council decision, we may help you file a lawsuit in Federal District Court. For this level, you must have an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court to represent you. Our staff can give you a referral if you reach this level.
If you were denied, don’t stop trying to get benefits, contact us to talk about your case.
IMPORTANT – REMEMBER, IF YOU RECEIVED A DENIAL LETTER, THE CLOCK IS TICKING. DON’T RISK MISSING THE DEADLINE TO APPEAL!
Presenting your case before an ALJ is usually the most crucial part of your case. Your hearing is your best chance to present your medical evidence in person.
Prior to your hearing, you are highly encouraged to get help from an experienced Social Security Disability representative. Hanley Disability has helped thousands of people in Indiana turn their denials into approvals.
