What to Do if You Get Declined Disability 

The system in the United States has a built in safety net paid for by the tax payers themselves. Essentially the Social Security system is in place for two reasons: 

1. To Take Care of Disabled People (or people unable to work) 

2. To Provide an Income for Retired Persons 

The system itself started almost 100 years ago as an obvious need arose from the community. Reports of people unable to work who were living on the streets were very common and something had to be done.  

As a result, a small amount of money is deducted from everyone’s paycheck from day one of their work life. The money is put into a giant fund. From there it is disbursed on an “as needed” basis. Chances are you know somebody who draws a check from this fund. They paid into their entire lives and are now collecting the benefits.  

Still, being approved for disability payments isn’t always an easy task. You must prove that you are in fact disabled. This can be done by providing a series of expert opinions from Doctors over time. If you fail to meet the burden of proof then you may be denied. This isn’t the end of the line though. You can file one appeal.  

Your odds of being approved on appeal dramatically according to Maria, a disability attorney in Melbourne, Florida. “An attorney will help you build your appeal properly, cross all the T’s and dot all of the I’s. Your likelihood of getting approved on appeal improves by about 50% if you hire an attorney to handle your case.” 

How to Begin 

First, collect everything you have regarding your case. Keep them in two separate folders. One folder should be the paperwork that you used to prove you are disabled and need assistance and the other folder should contain all of your court documents and communication with Social Security officials.  

Next, find a disability attorney that you like and trust. You can find a good attorney one of the following ways: 

1. Ask for a personal reference by someone you know has used an attorney and is happy with the outcome. 

2. Search databases like Findlaw.com to see if there is an attorney on there you like. 

3. Google “disability attorney in my area” and start reading Google reviews.  

15 minutes of research can save you a whole lot of grief later on. Finding an attorney who is a good match for you is imperative at this moment.  

Once you find the attorney you like, contact them and set up an appointment. Tell them exactly where you are in your case. Don’t hold back any information or they will not be able to fully understand your situation.  

Remember, if you are having a hard time with your attorney or feel like you are getting the run around, you can look for another attorney and switch. That is your right. Make sure to do this before your appeal is filed to have the best chance at winning your case. Keep a positive attitude and believe that you will win your case.