So you have waited anywhere between 2 and 6 months to hear something from the Social Security Administration after filing your initial application. You got all that paperwork that Disability Determination Services sent you about your work and day to day life, and sent it back, filled out (and taking a lot of time and effort to do that). You finally have that letter in the mail you have been waiting for deciding your claim… and it’s a denial. You read through, and it makes seemingly wild claims saying that your condition simply isn’t severe enough to warrant being considered disabled. It’s time for: Dealing with the initial application denial 101.
Step 1: Don’t panic. You are in good company. Getting an initial application approved is a lot like getting into a highly ranked university when you’re not a legacy…expect a 70% denial rate.
Step 2: If you have a case manager, call him/her immediately, with the letter in front of you. This is a major development they will want to know about. This person will then schedule you in for an appeal of your claim to the next level. Be prepared to answer questions about the date of the letter, and maybe to read portions of it (just in case you got the letter before your case manager did).
Step 2a: If you don’t have a case manager, still don’t panic, and look at the date of the letter and remember it. You have 60 days from this date to file the next step in the process.
Step 3: Make a list of everywhere you have sought medical treatment at since filing your initial application, and write down when your first outpatient visit was, your most recent visit was, and if there is any scheduled upcoming visits. Note the conditions treated and doctor’s seen. Also note any in-patient stays, any ER visits, and any medical tests. Next, make a list of your current medications, noting who prescribed them, or if they are OTC, what they are for, and what side effects you have. Finally, note any new conditions, any changes in your conditions or daily activities, and new things you are finding you can no longer do, since you filed your most recent initial application or request for reconsideration (if your denial was on that level).
Remember, you can always file your appeal online at www.ssa.gov. If you are represented, your case manager can file for you, after he or she has had a chance to talk with you about everything in step three.
Denials are infuriating, there is no question about it. Appeals are a necessary step for a great many claimant’s in the process, and a lot of claimant’s find the most success on the hearing level. Just like an Adult Disability Report, preparation can make for a timely and smooth appeal sendout. It’s not something to wait to do, but not something to panic about.
