Q. My disability application was denied, and I want to appeal the decision. What do I need to know? Should I have a representative?
A. A multilevel appeals system is available for most Social Security decisions, not just applications, if you believe an agency decision was wrong. Read your decision letter carefully. Understand the issue involved. For example, Social Security disability has a work requirement that must be met before medical issues are considered. If the decision was that you do not meet the work requirement, then that is the issue to be addressed, not whether you are disabled. Address the issue involved.
Your decision letter also explains your next step level of appeal and time frames involved. Pay strict attention to those time frames. Always file any appeal well within them. Appeals for SSA disability applications can be completed online at www.socialsecurity.gov through either the "Disability" or "What You Can Do Online" links. To place an online appeal with your case record, input your name, Social Security number, birthdate and date of the decision notice.
You are then are automatically directed to the proper online appeal form for your level and a medical update form. The actual appeal request is short and must be completed at one time to protect your filing date. Afterward, you get an electronic receipt. Using a supplied re-entry number, you can complete the medical update over multiple sittings, but it should be completed quickly to start appeal processing.
Needed forms are also available from any SSA office or the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213. Having a representative, whether an attorney or not, is completely up to you. Information about the different parts of the Social Security appeals process is at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10058.html . Information about having a representative is at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html .
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Did you know? In 1936, Fred Happel of Albany, N.Y., designed the original Social Security card and was paid $60 for his work. Happel also designed the famous military "Flying Tigers" logo used by General Chennault's forces during World War II.
General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave., Suite 300, Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (701) 772-5518 ext. 200; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.kossover@ssa.gov . Please include the name of the paper in which you read the article. General information also is available on the agency Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov , or by calling the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213.
