Many of our Los Angeles readers have probably heard quite a few stories about the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. One such story may sound worse than all the others: that the majority of applications for SSD benefits are denied. The Social Security Administration oversees a rigorous application process for benefits, and, unfortunately, this story is true. But that isn’t the end of the story.
Most reports put the denial rate of SSD benefits applications at about 60 percent. That means that about six out of every 10 applications for Social Security Disability benefits are denied. Does that mean that these people are out of luck? Does it mean that they don’t have any other options? Not at all.
At our law firm, we have assisted many of our clients who have had their initial application for SSD benefits denied. This is oftentimes just the first step in a long process. The next step after an initial denial is the “reconsideration” process.
What is the “reconsideration” process? Well, this is basically the point where an applicant can ask the Social Security Administration to take another look at their documentation. But, the result will probably be the same unless the applicant provides additional information. More detailed medical documents can be submitted, and all of the new information – along with the original application – is then reviewed by someone who was not part of the initial decision to deny benefits. For more information on the reconsideration process, please visit our website.
