West Virginia residents who are living with a disability may no longer be able to earn a living. These individuals may decide to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Unfortunately, many applications are initially denied, though, with persistence, they may eventually be able to claim their benefits.
When the Social Security Administration denies an application for benefits, the applicant has the right to request a reconsideration. If the reconsideration is denied, the next step is to appeal this decision, which means that the applicant can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
A hearing can be a crucial turning point in the quest to claim benefits. The applicant, or his or her representative, can provide medical documentation to the judge showing how the applicant’s condition is disabling. In fact, over 60 percent of individuals who attend a hearing with a representative, such as an attorney, are successful in proving their disability claim. It is important to note, however, that all requests for reconsiderations or appeals must be made in a timely manner. Applicants should review all correspondence and ensure that they have filed requests or appeals by the deadline specified by the SSA.
Many individuals who apply for Social Security Disability may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney who can review the client’s situation and medical reports and assist in filing an application that is complete, thorough and persuasive. If the applicant eventually needs to request a hearing, the attorney can provide advocacy and determine what is necessary to receive an approval.