Disabilities limit people in a variety of different ways, and people manage their disabilities in different ways as well. Sometimes people are able to manage them fairly well and can continue to live a fairly normal life. Many others will need to change their lifestyles and are limited from doing many day-to-day activities. For some this includes being unable to work.
If people are unable to work, it can create a very difficult financial situation for them and their families. However, people in this position may be able to receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. These benefits can provide disabled people with money each month so they can pay for their monthly obligations. To receive these benefits people need to apply for them, but unfortunately many people have their applications denied at first. In fact, the vast majority of applicants are denied on their first attempt to claim SSDI benefits.
If people have their initial application denied, they may still have different options for review of their denial.
The appeals process for an initial denial of SSDI benefits
First, applicants can request a reconsideration of the initial decision. A reconsideration is a review of the initial application by people who did not participate in the initial review. If the reconsideration is denied, then people can request a hearing with an administrative law judge to review the application.
If the administrative law judge denies the application people can then appeal the decision to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council has the option of whether to hear the appeal or not. If the Appeals Council decides not to review the decision or decides to uphold the denial, applicants have one last option, which is to file a civil action in federal court.
As demonstrated above, if people in Ohio have their initial SSDI application denied, there are still multiple opportunities to appeal the decision and their application may ultimately be granted. SSDI benefits are very important for people who are unable to work and people should not give up after an initial denial. Experienced attorneys understand the options available to people and may be able to guide one through the process.