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Denied Social Security Disability Claims

If you have a disease or injury that is so serious that you cannot work, not only are you worried about your health, but also about your finances. Fortunately, the federal government offers a disability program that may be able to provide you with financial benefits while you cannot work due to your medical condition.

The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) provides benefits to those who are disabled, and who have a record of working and paying FICA taxes. If you do not have a sufficient work record, you still may be able qualify for disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income disability program (SSI) which offers benefits to those who do not have adequate work records and have a low incomes.

Facing Social Security Disability Denial in Rhode Island

However, being approved for disability benefits under either program is challenging. The applications of the vast majority of people are initially denied. The best way to ensure that your claim is properly handled, especially after it has been denied, is to have a Social Security Disability attorney on your side. The Social Security Disability lawyers of Gemma Law Associates, Inc. are well equipped to help you with this process. Please feel free to contact one of our Providence Social Security Disability attorneys by calling us or by filling out this form.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

There are several factors that the SSA reviews in order to determine whether or you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits including meeting financial conditions and meeting the SSA’s very strict definition of “disabled.” It is not enough to simply say you are disabled, the SSA requires very specific types of proof that varies depending on the type of condition you have. If you do not meet any of the requirements for qualification for Social Security Disability benefits, your application will be denied.

When you submit your claim for SSDI benefits, it is first reviewed by the Disability Determination Services (DDS).  On average this process takes 3-5 months. Common reasons for denial include lack of sufficient work history, inadequate medical documentation, or other errors in completing the claim application. Because of the complexity of the SSA application for disability benefits, nearly 70% of claims are denied at the DDS level. However, there is an appeals process.

The Appeals Process

If your initial claim is denied you should not be discouraged. There is an appeals process. Often the reason for denial is something that can easily be fixed. However, the success of your appeal depends on understanding why your application was denied. There are four stages of appeal for a disability claim, including:

  • Reconsideration. If your claim was denied after the initial application, you have 60 days to file a “Request for Reconsideration.” Your application will then be reviewed by a different reviewer in the Disability Determination Services office. Essentially, your applications is be reviewed as if it was submitted for the first time, but by a different person.
  • Administrative hearing. If your claim is again denied, you have another 60 days to request an administrative hearing. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) preside over the administrative hearings at the Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review. At your administrative hearing the ALJ will interview you as well as experts. This appeals step can take some time as your hearing date may not be held until a year later. After the hearing, it typically takes the ALJ two months to render his or her decision. About 65% of cases are approved at this level.
  • Appeals Council review. If your claim is denied at the administrative hearing stage, you have another 60 days to request that the Appeals Council to review your case. The Appeals Council has the discretion to refuse to review your case. If the Appeals Council does agree to review your case, it reviews the ALJ’s decision for errors. Appeals are rarely granted at the Appeals Council level.
  • Lawsuit in federal court. If your claim is again denied or if the Appeals Council declines to review your case, your last option is to file a claim in federal court. The cases are reviewed by a federal judge without a jury. The judge looks at the cases for legal errors. About 30% of cases that reach this stage are approved.

Whether or not your disability claim is ultimately approved on appeal depends on many different factors. However, your chances of receiving an approval are greatly improved if you are represented by an experienced attorney. If you have questions about applying for Social Security Disability, or if you feel that your application has been unfairly denied, you should seek legal counsel.

The Providence, Rhode Island law firm of Gemma Law Associates, Inc., can help you. Serving clients throughout Rhode Island, we will meet with you to discuss your Social Security Disability case. Please contact us by calling toll free or by filling out our online contact form.

Gemma law is the best and helped and guided me threw everything … highly recommended thank you so much
ellen almgren
ellen almgren
2023-02-09
5 stars all the way. They did exactly what was expected. Good Job
Keith Ruggiero
Keith Ruggiero
2023-02-04
Very efficient and very good with communicating with me. I received updates about my case without having to call and request them. Very good law office! Very satisfied.
Bethania Herrera
Bethania Herrera
2023-01-19
Mark Gemma has been absolutely amazing. He was helpful and answered all concerns and questions I’ve had. Him and his team are beyond incredible, supportive, and sweet. I would like to thank them all for everything they’ve done.
Samantha Argus
Samantha Argus
2023-01-19
very professional and honest, what I liked the most is whenever you call the lawyer returns your call with every concern I had. It was my first time and I would not hesitate to trust them again.
Diana Palacio
Diana Palacio
2023-01-17
This team is extremely helpful and kind. Mark Gemma was a great help in guiding me through this whole process and was a huge help. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking legal counsel
Zachary Dustin
Zachary Dustin
2023-01-16
I am so happy with the turnout of my case. Both Sarah and Peter kept me up to date on everything and worked very hard on my case. The whole staff is friendly and diligent with their work. 100% recommend!
Chelsie Abatiello
Chelsie Abatiello
2022-12-28
Managed to get my money before Christmas...in just days after settling! Great communication and always helped with my needs, and always gave good advice. Would definitely recommend.
Trini Luckey
Trini Luckey
2022-12-23
Always professional and always checking in on their clients. Excellent atmosphere.
Susan Hallam
Susan Hallam
2022-12-17
After spending 8 hours in a hospital overnight to get stitches in my lip because of a drunk driver’s negligent decision to get behind the wheel, the last thing I wanted to do was think about it all. I sent an email to Gemma Law, and Mark Gemma quickly called me back with an empathetic approach to listening to my story and helping me figure out the next steps. When he told me I wouldn’t have to have any contact with the insurance companies, I was HOOKED! When he pointed out how unfortunate it was I might have to miss out on a lip modeling career from a potential scar from the stitches, I was SOLD! And when I finally received my settlement check after letting him do all the leg work while I just focused on recovering, I was and am eternally GRATEFUL! Mark Gemma helped me turn a near death experience into a new start in life and I highly recommend him to anybody needing a personal injury lawyer.
Angie Sherman
Angie Sherman
2022-12-07
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