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How Does The Disability Appeals Process Work?

If you’ve been denied social security disability benefits, your next step should be to contact one of the best disability lawyers in Tulsa, OK.

The social security laws are extensive and confusing, which is why many first-time applicants are denied benefits. After contacting our SSI law firm in Tulsa, your first step in the appeals process would be to submit a Request for Reconsideration.

This is unlikely to change Social Security Administration’s (SSA) decision, however, you must file this before moving forward in the appeals process.

Contact our disability law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a free consultation. We will discuss your case and fight as hard as possible to earn you the benefits you need.

Next Steps After the Request for Reconsideration

In the event that your initial application is denied for a second time by the SSA, we will then request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

With the help of our experienced social security disability lawyers, the judge will review the medical records and other information you provided the SSA, as well as any additional documentation we help you discover.

The judge may consider additional testing or ask for testimony from medical experts and witnesses to help determine disability. You will be allowed to testify on your own behalf, as well.

Once the hearing is complete, the Administrative Law Judge will issue a Notice of Decision, which will either award you benefits or deny you once more.

If you’re looking for knowledgeable SSI lawyers in Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas to help you fight for your benefits, contact our law office today. We can provide you with the necessary legal assistance to help win your case in front of the ALJ.

It’s important to work with a social security disability attorney because we have extensive experience working on these cases, and we know what it takes to receive a favorable decision. We know what medical records are necessary to submit and other information that is important. We sit with you and go over every detail of your case and medical history so that we know exactly what to find and where.

If for any reason the ALJ denies your claim, you are able to appeal again. You would file this appeal with the Social Security Disability Appeals Council.

What is the Social Security Appeals Council?

This council consists of a group of judges who oversee disability benefits rulings to possibly find inconsistencies within social security disability law and to review if the ALJ in your case made any errors.

If the council finds the judge gave sufficient reasoning for the decision, they will uphold it and deny your benefits. If they find any errors were made or the ALJ’s reasons weren’t satisfactory, they could award you benefits or decide to remand the case and send it back to the ALJ for additional examination.

If your benefits are denied by the Social Security Appeals Council, you could possibly appeal their ruling in federal court. You are only eligible to file this complaint if there is evidence the SSA commissioner failed to follow the law when determining your eligibility.

You must have an attorney to file this type of appeal.

Barnard Law Firm Wants To Represent You

We proudly serve the Tulsa community and work hard to ensure those living with disabilities who are unable to work and earn a livable income get the benefits they deserve. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you live a better, more sustainable life.

Your Local Social Security Disability and Injury Attorney Serving the Tulsa Area

Nathan Barnard is a sole practitioner in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mr. Barnard's practice focuses on Social Security disability insurance claims.