•    Appeals Council Review – If the judge denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council.  Whether to appeal the judge's decision or start the process over with an entirely new SSDI application is something you should discuss with your SSDI attorney.  Since your chances of approval dwindle at this point, you'll need to decide which course would be your best option.  If you decide to appeal, you'll need to complet a Request for Review of Decision/Order of Administration Law Judge.  This cannot be done online.  You'll have to get the form from your local SSA office.  Your request will be sent to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, where someone will review your records and make a decision.

•    District Court Case – Finally, if the Appeals Council denies your appeal, you can have your attorney file a case against the SSA in District Court.  Your case will be heard by a district judge, who will make the decision.

Applying for and receiving SSDI is not an easy or quick procedure.  It can easily take a couple of years to go through the entire process.  But if you're unable to work because of your medical condition, don't hesitate to file.  SSDI is not charity.  It's insurance that you've paid for with your Social Security taxes.  If you're disabled, you're entitled to it. 

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Sources:

(2009, April 2). Disability Programs. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Social Security Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Morre, Tim Social Security Disability SSI Benefits. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Disability Secrets Web site: http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/

Matallana, Lynne (2005, July 27). How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits . Retrieved May 29, 2009, from National Fibromyalgia Association How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Web site: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6245

© Karen Lee Richards 2009

Last Updated 05/29/09