Social Security is a US Federal Government program that dates back to the administration of President Roosevelt. The program realized that there was a need to provide a source of income upon retirement and to provide benefits to those that, prior to retirement, suffer from a physical or mental disability. The programs are as important today as they were when they were introduced in 1935.
There is rarely a problem in getting retirement benefits; unfortunately the same cannot be said for disability benefits. The way it stands right now, about two thirds of those that apply for disability benefits are denied such benefits. Many applicants turn to a Social Security lawyer / attorney in Santa Ana to help them with their appeal.
The appeals process:
If an application for Social Security benefits is denied there is an established appeals process. In all cases it is important that any and all appeals be lodged well within the time limit specified by the Administration.
* Request for reconsideration: This is the first stage, basically it is little more than a request that the original application be looked at again by a different examiner. As nothing has changed, rarely is approval for benefits given at this stage.
* Hearing: Although it may take a year or more to reach the point that you and your Social Security lawyer / attorney in Santa Ana get to plead your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge, this is the level of appeal that most frequently results in the original decision being overturned and approval granted. It is during this hearing when you can present you case, you can support it with current medical evidence and you can bring vocational experts in to support your contentions.
If the hearing does not result in a favorable decision you can ask for a review by the Appeals Council and if all else fails you can file a lawsuit in Federal Court. When you are represented by an experienced attorney rarely would the appeal go as far as court.
If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits you should hire a Social Security lawyer / attorney in Santa Ana and appeal the decision. You are invited to discuss the details of your case with the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen.
