If your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits was denied, you're not alone. Almost two-thirds of people who apply for SSD are turned down on the first time they apply. In many cases, this is due to providing incomplete information on the application or failing to meet the strict SSD definition of disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not consider an individual to be disabled unless the condition is anticipated to last more than one year or result in death. If you feel you provided all requested information and meet the definition of disability, you have the right to file an appeal within 60 days.

The first level of SSD appeal is reconsideration. This is when someone from SSA who was not associated with your first application reviews your application and any new evidence you submit. The next three levels of the appeal process all involve a court appearance. These steps involve:

• The hearing
• Appeals council
• Filing a lawsuit in federal court

The SSA allows for you to have a representative to help you in each stage of the appeal process. To increase your chances of having your claim approved, consider working with the experienced SSD attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Olkowitz in Red Bank, NJ. Our attorneys have worked with every facet of SSD law, from representing clients at hearings to gathering additional evidence and documentation for the appeal form.

Unfortunately, SSD has a reputation of denying even more reconsideration requests than initial applications. When you work with an experienced SSD lawyer from our legal firm, we can help you beat the odds. We encourage you to contact our Red Bank law firm to learn more about how SSD works. The first thing we do is determine if you paid enough money into the system throughout your career to be eligible for benefits. If so, we aggressively help you pursue them.