Applying for government benefits due to a disability may have intimidated you. After all, you already face difficulties and an inability to work due to your disability, and then you had to face the process of gathering documents and applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Unfortunately, after all that work, the Social Security Administration denied your application.
You may understandably have felt upset when you received this denial as you likely need these benefits in order to obtain funds to meet your needs. Luckily, a denial does not necessarily mean the end of the road for your case. You could choose to move forward with an appeal to that initial decision.
Be prepared
You certainly do not want to go through the appeals process only to face another denial, so getting your information in order and preparing for your appeal could better your chances of a successful outcome. Some information you will need to include in your appeal application include the following:
- Personal information, like your name, address, phone number and Social Security number
- Representative’s name, address and phone number
- The date of the SSA’s Denial Decision
- Name, phone number and address of a family member or friend who knows about your disability
- Medication information, such as names of medications you take, the reason for taking them, their side effects and the name of your doctor who prescribed or recommended the medication
- Information regarding any changes in your work, education and daily activities
- Medical records that may help you obtain needed information
- Additional medical documentation that you may not have included in your initial application
All of this information could play vital roles in your appeal. You could start your appeal online, over the phone or at a local Social Security office. Because the process can take time, having your information in order could help streamline the process.
Have the right help
Of course, you may not feel confident in your ability to appeal a denial for SSDI, but remember, you do not have to handle it on your own. An experienced Oklahoma attorney could help you assess your situation, understand the reason for the denial, go over the information needed for your appeal and generally help you complete the process. Knowing that you have an advocate on your side may allow you to feel more confident in the process.