SSD Appeals Process in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Trusted Source for Counsel and Care for the Last 40 Years
The Social Security Administration has a reputation for denying people’s initial applications for benefits. If you apply on your own without the help of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer, your chances for being denied are much, much higher. But even if the SSA denies the application, you still have options moving forward.
Larry Pitt & Associates has helped the people of Philadelphia and beyond appeal the SSA’s decisions to deny Social Security Disability benefits for the last 40 years. Our efficient and effective team of lawyers and professional legal staff has represented thousands of people from Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in appeals hearings and in civil lawsuits. When you are hurt or ill and cannot work, you can trust in us to assist you in getting the help you need.
Going Before the Administrative Law Judge
If you live in Pennsylvania and have been denied Social Security Disability benefits in your initial application, your appeal begins with a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. You have 60 days to file an appeal; at 61 days or more, you must start the entire application process over from the beginning.
Going in front of an ALJ is not the same as going to trial – but we prepare our clients in similar ways. Our lawyers may:
- Collect all the pertinent documentation, including your initial application
- Request any new medical records or information that has changed since you first applied
- Review your application with you
- Review typical questions you might be asked
- Represent you and your interests in front of the judge
The hearing can take a very long time to schedule. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we do everything in our power to expedite the process for you, so that you can start collecting your benefits as quickly as possible.
Additional Steps for Appealing a Denial
Should the hearing not go in your favor, you have more options. We can represent you during either of the next two steps in the process:
- Submit request to Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can overturn the ALJ’s decision, remand your application back to the ALJ for further review, or deny your application. This part of the process can also take a very long time. If the Appeals Council denies your claim, we can weigh the pros and cons of a
- Civil lawsuit in federal district court. This step may not be in your best interest, and if it is better to simply file a new application for Social Security Disability benefits, our attorneys will tell you that. If you wish to move forward, however, we can represent you in federal court.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we want what is best for our clients. We will never force you to appeal a decision if it is best to simply reapply, and we will never abandon you if you have been denied benefits from an earlier application. We know how to help residents of Pennsylvania obtain their SSD benefits, and we want to help you, too.
Learn More About the SSD Appeals Process From the Philadelphia Social Security Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be complicated. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we always review our clients’ applications before they are filed. We will review your application if you have been denied in your initial request for benefits, and help you through the appeals process. Please call 888-PITT-LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County.
