at what point do you get a disability lawyer to reopen your last application

by Julius Nienow IV 3 min read

For SSDI claims, this must be within 17 months of the initial application. The SSA has the discretion to deny or approve this request. A lawyer may have to request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge to explain why your claim should be reopened.Apr 6, 2018

Can You reopen a previous disability claim?

Answer: Yes, you can reapply for disability benefits from Social Security by filing a new claim. You can also request that your original claim be reopened when you file the new claim. If you're successful, Social Security will pay benefits back to the date of your original application, or even up to a year before your original application date if you can prove your disability started that …

Can I reapply for disability benefits from Social Security?

In other words, if your first application was in a pending status between March of 2015 and February of 2017, you would need to state in the new application that the disability occurred at some time during that two-year window. Finally, the older claim can only be reopened if the denial was incorrect the first time.

Can the SSA reopen a prior application?

If more than 12 months has passed a claimant may reopen a previous case within 4 years from the notice of determination but they must prove good cause : a clerical error in the computation of disability benefits was made, new evidence needs to be submitted in regards to the previous disability case, or there is evidence that an error was made in the previous decision.

How can a disability lawyer help you get benefits?

The SSA has the discretion to open or not to open a prior application. Again, if the prior case isn't related, the time period doesn't overlap, or too much time has passed, the SSA won't reopen the case. This means that you won't be able to get disability backpay for this time period even if you otherwise met the SSA's definition of disabled.

How soon can you refile for SSDI?

When people are denied SSDI benefits, they will receive notices of denial. The letters will list a deadline for filing appeals, which is generally 60 days from the dates that the notices are received.

Can I reapply for Social Security after being denied?

Every applicant has the right to appeal a denial of disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, you can also reapply for disability by filling out a new disability application instead of appealing the original decision, which would mean starting over at the initial determination stage.

How often are you reevaluated for disability?

Possible, we'll normally review your medical condition about every three years. Not expected, we'll normally review your medical condition about every seven years.

What happens if you get denied disability twice?

Many applicants who are applying for SSDI are initially denied benefits. If this happens to you, you are able to file an appeal. if your claim is then denied a second time, you can request a hearing and continue the application process.Dec 29, 2020

How do I reopen my Social Security case?

Social Security has not created a particular form or process for claimants who want to reopen a claim. To reopen a claim, you must file a new application for disability and ask Social Security to reopen your old claim.

Can you get disability twice?

There is no limit on the number of times you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How do I pass a continuing disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ... Learn More About Your Condition. ... Answer the Short Form Honestly. ... Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ... Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.Apr 22, 2020

How hard is it to lose disability?

Your Chance of Losing Benefits Although it is possible to lose benefits after a CDR, for most people, it's unlikely. In the most recent statistics published by the SSA, SSDI recipients were able to keep their disability benefits 85% of the time.

Does Social Security Disability watch you?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

Why do disability claims get denied?

Here are some common leading reasons claims are often denied: Lack of medical evidence. Prior denials. Too much earnings.

What is the monthly amount for Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability payments are modest At the beginning of 2019, Social Security paid an average monthly disability benefit of about $1,234 to all disabled workers.

How many disability claims are denied?

Studies have shown that more than 60% of disability claims are denied initially, especially without a lawyer's help. If you've been denied and keep applying instead of appealing the denial, you're probably getting rejected again and again.Jul 21, 2020

What to do if you miss a deadline for SSA?

If you do miss a deadline you can immediately contact the SSA and find out if you have the legal right to reopen a previous case or if you will have to file a new disability application. Disability lawyers can help answer questions and make sure you get the disability benefits you need.

How long does it take for the SSA to make a decision?

The SSA states they will make their disability decision within 3 to 6 months of the application date. This may seem like a long time, but millions of claimants apply for disability each year, and it is a time-consuming process for the SSA to review each disability application.

How long does it take to appeal an ALJ denial?

Like the previous requests, this one must also be made within sixty (60) days of your denial. The AC may or may not decide to review your claim. If the AC decides to review your claim, it can conclude that the ALJ's denial was wrong and award you benefits accordingly or can send your claim back to the ALJ to be reviewed.

When you are approved for disability, you are eligible for backpayments?

When you are approved for disability benefits, you are eligible for payments going back to the initial application date (these are called backpayments). If you are approved for Social Security Disability (SSDI), you can get even more money in the form of retroactive benefits (these benefits are paid back to the date the SSA concluded you became ...

What is the final stage of the appeal process?

Federal appeals require that the claimant submit a brief, a detailed explanation of why you think the prior decisions in your case were wrong . Federal briefs are difficult to write and must comply with complex federal rules. For this reason, it is particularly helpful to have a disability attorney who is licensed to practice in federal court to represent you at this stage.

What is the reality of a request for reconsideration?

The reality is that most requests for reconsideration are denied— this means that, ultimately, requests for reconsiderations end up being decided by an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the hearing level.

Why is it better to appeal a denial?

One of the main reasons it's better to appeal a denial is the time factor. The decision-making process for a claim can take as much as two years (and in some cases even longer) and if you fail to appeal, you will likely add substantial time to how long it takes to get a final decision in your case.

Can I reopen my Social Security disability claim?

Reopening a Social Security disability claim can sometimes get you more backpay, but you should always use the appeals process if you can. By Melissa Linebaugh, Contributing Author. There are two ways a disability claimant can ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review a denied claim for Social Security or SSI benefits: by appealing ...

Can the SSA reopen a case?

Again, if the prior case isn't related, the time period doesn't overlap, or too much time has passed, the SSA won't reopen the case .

What to do if your disability application is denied?

If your initial application got denied, you have the right to request a disability hearing. To skip the wait for the hearing, your lawyer can file for an on-the-record (ORD) decision. To help you get approval at this stage, your lawyer can: help you gather substantial medical evidence proving the extent of your disability.

How many people get legal assistance without a lawyer?

Surveys also show that 60% of those who had legal assistance was approved for benefits. While only 34% of claimants got approved without a lawyer. These statistics are backed by government data which shows that applicants represented by lawyers are 2.9 times more likely to get benefits.

What factors affect the turnaround time for disability?

Some factors that can affect the turnaround time include: whether you got approved at the initial application stage. the availability of your medical records. your medical condition. the state you live in. A disability lawyer knows what the SSA wants to see and hear.

What to do if denied Social Security disability?

If you're denied at the application level, it becomes more important to hire a lawyer. Disability lawyers know how to prepare a disability case for a hearing and they have the necessary expertise with Social Security rules and regulations to win at the hearing. Your lawyer may want to practice asking you questions that the judge might ask so that you aren't nervous at the hearing and so that you can testify (honestly) in a way that's helpful to your case.

How long do you have to wait to get a disability hearing?

And if you don't want to wait upwards of two years for a hearing date, you might try to hire an attorney for help with the initial application.

Can a claimant file a lawsuit without an attorney?

Without an attorney, it's difficult for a claimant to do this successfully. In addition, your lawyer will likely be familiar with how the particular judge likes to run hearings, and will be able to present evidence according to what the judge likes—and does not like—to hear.

Does disability affect Social Security?

While the severity of your disability doesn't affect the amount of money you get, the date that Social Security thinks you became disabled does matter.

What does an attorney do for disability?

An attorney can take care of many of these details for you. Your attorney knows what to say to strengthen your case and can be a powerful voice for you. Sometimes seemingly minor pieces of evidence or innocuous statements mean the difference between a successful disability benefits claim and a denial.

How long can you work if you are disabled?

You need to prove that your disability or your illness has prevented you from working for either the past 12 months or will prevent you from working for 12 months or longer .

Why are SSDI applications denied?

Many applications for SSDI benefits or SSI benefits are denied because they do not have enough medical evidence to prove your disability claim. One of the main jobs of your attorney while preparing for the hearing with the ALJ is to gather all this necessary documentation.

How much is the attorney fee for SSDI?

The federal government determines attorneys fees for disability cases. For their work on your SSDI or SSI benefit appeal, attorney fees are capped at $6,000 or 25 percent of the back pay you would receive during an appeal, whichever total is lower.

How long can I work with SSDI?

To be considered disabled for SSI benefits, you must meet the same conditions as SSDI benefits — you have not been able to work for the last 12 months or will be unable to work for the next 12 months or longer. SSI benefits provide cash to meet basic needs like food, clothing and housing.

How long does it take to get a hearing with an ALJ?

Once you have received the notice of a denial of a reconsider ation appeal, you have 60 days to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). During an ALJ hearing, you can present new medical information and even call witnesses who can validate your claims of being disabled. This is the level where applicants have the highest success level, with almost 62 percent of those who have requested a hearing with an ALJ successfully overturning their initial denial.

What is an attorney?

An attorney understands your rights and knows how to persuasively argue for the benefits you deserve after your injury. They can cite the exact rules and laws which may be relevant to your case.

Can I fill out paperwork for disability?

Even just filling out the paperwork for a social security disability filing can be difficult. An attorney can help you figure out the right way to do the paperwork and what you need to further support the information you’re using to file the claim. If you have an attorney, he or she can help you fill the paperwork out, go to court dates and will help you navigate everything that comes after you are successful with your claim.

Can I hire a disability lawyer after I file a claim?

You will need to retain the help of a disability lawyer before you file your claim. As Nicole found out the hard way, you cannot hire a lawyer after the claim has been filed. Although you can always use a Veteran’s Service Organization (VSO) like the DAV or VFW, it can work in your favor to have an attorney represent you in your claim.

How long does a disability last?

Eligibility for social security disability benefits requires either that the disability lasts, or is expected to last, 12 months or longer, or will result in your death. This means that disability benefits are paid only for long-term disability; short-term disability does not qualify.

What is the first question people ask when they apply for disability?

The first question people ask when they apply for disability is whether they will be approved for benefits. Unfortunately, the odds that your disability application will be approved at the initial stage of the process are not good.

How much can you earn on disability in 2020?

For 2020, that means being able to earn more than $1,260 per month, or $2,110 if you are blind ...

How much is a Social Security disability in 2020?

Individuals pay into Social Security by working certain covered jobs, and their earnings are converted into work credits. In 2020, $1,410 in earnings is equivalent to one credit (like SGA, the amount changes annually).

How many work credits do you need to be disabled?

For example, if you were disabled at age 29, you need four years of work history and 16 credits. 31 to 42 years old: You need a minimum of 20 work credits,

Can an attorney approve a disability application?

Although no attorney can guarantee that the SSA will approve your application for social security disability benefits, some factors push the odds of approval in your favor.

Can you get disability if you work irregular hours?

If your monthly earnings exceed SGA, but you were provided special accommodations, worked irregular hours, or required frequent breaks to work, the SSA may still rule that you are eligible for disability benefits. Certain payments considered income for income tax purposes, such as alimony payments, are not counted as income for purposes ...

Should I Get a Lawyer Before Applying for Disability?

A disability attorney can evaluate your specific situation and advise you on which kind of benefits to pursue. They can also clarify Social Security’s terminology, help you fill out the application, and assist you with the paperwork needed to satisfy Social Security’s requirements.

What Does a Disability Lawyer Do?

A disability lawyer will review your denial letter to determine why Social Security denied you disability benefits. Any inconsistencies will be addressed using updated medical records, prepared testimony, and vocational and medical experts, solidifying the disability case you present to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) during your hearing.

How to Find a Good Disability Lawyer

To find a good disability lawyer, we recommend speaking with friends and family who have been through the disability benefits process.