Social Security Disability denied

The first thing I am asked usually about social security disability is how do I apply?

Speaking only for Tennessee, the wait for a disability hearing is quite lengthy, (very few people get disability based on their initial application or their reconsideration they filed after their first denial) there are many cases currently waiting for a hearing in Tennessee.

Many people are unsure of how to start the process of social security disability. Well the first thing one needs to do is call the 1-800 number, that is 1-800-772-1213, this is the number for social security, it is where you will start the initial process of applying for disability. Most people are turned down after their initial try, it is at this point as a lawyer that I usually begin to represent people in Tennessee, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. There are important deadlines to meet, if you should miss one of them, you may not be allowed to proceed to the next step.

As a lawyer I meet with the client and review all the paperwork, fill out the documents and submit all of them in a timely fashion so as to not be barred from the appeal. It is at this point I file what is known as the reconsideration documents.

Reconsideration level is exactly that, they are reconsidering your claim. I like being able to get a case from a client at this level because it allows me to closely note what the claimant is writing on their appeal. Unfortunately most reconsideration are turned down, however being that is usually the normal way things proceed in disability, I then file for my clients their request to be heard before a social security judge, also known as a Federal Administrative Law Judge.

To request a hearing one needs to carefully fill out more documents and make sure and beat the deadlines to secure their hearing before the judge. When I represent people that is exactly what I do, I secure the hearing by following all the proper requirements and meeting all the deadlines.

By doing all of the steps above I protect my clients right to a hearing. In later posts I will discuss what a hearing is, what type documents we need and how you will be prepared for a hearing. You can always reach me at (615) 308-2633, please feel free to call with any social security questions.