Practice Area:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit that you paid for through your FICA deductions over a ten-year period. Why, then, are these benefits often denied? Often the application does not have all the medical evidence necessary to establish a strong claim. Sometimes the claimant has multiple desabilities and does not know how to present an effective case for disability benefits.

Thomas Hardy can help you gather the required medical documents, evaluate your case, and help claim the benefits that you deserve–benefits you've earned.

If your application for SSDI has been denied, Thomas Hardy will review your case and determine how to best present your case. Below is a list of actions that you can take toward claiming your benefits:

• Initial application: The initial submission and review of your application to determine if you qualify for disability benefits.
• First level appeal: If your first application for benefits is rejected, ou can resubmit your medical records, along with any additional medical information you want to add, within 60 days of your denial notification.
• Administrative hearing appeal: After your first appeal is denied, you can request an administrative hearing appeal. Your appeal will be heard by an administrative law judge who will consider any medical information or testimony you or your doctor provide. During the administrative hearing appeal, the judge does not consider previous denials involving your case or the reasons given for making the denials. For this reason, the administrative hearing appeal represents the best chance people have for reversing earlier denials of their application.
• Appeals Council review: If the administrative law judge rejects your appeal, you can request the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council to review your case. However, the Appeals Council generally does not consider new evidence. The Appeals Council will review any documentation and information already contained in your file and any written statement provided by you should you choose to submit one. You have only 60 days in which to request a review of your case by the Appeals Council after the denial of your administrative hearing appeal.
• Federal Court review: If your case is denied by the Appeals Council, you can file an appeal in the District Court of Appeals in your jurisdiction. However, no new evidence will be considered. The court will reveiw the transcript from your administrative law hearing and consider your medical records. If you decide to take your case to federal court, you have 60 days to enter an appeal after notification of your denial by the Appeals Council.

The process detailed above may be overwhelming, especially if you are still coping with the medical aspects of your condition. Contact the office of Thomas Hardy today to begin your appeal process, a process made easier through experienced representation.