Hiring A Social Security Disability / SSI Lawyer

There are many instances when you are applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI Disability Benefits) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits that you may need a lawyer. One of these instances is if you are denied SSDI or SSI benefits. This happens more often than you might think. The majority of applications are intially denied.  Rather than accept defeat, you have the legal right to appeal the decision.  It is very important to do this.  If you have been denied SSI or SSDI then contact our experienced Minnesota Social Security Disability lawyers today by filling out the form on the side of this page or phoning one of our office numbers.  There is no cost or obligation to speak with one of our lawyers about your claim.

Request for Reconsideration

The first part of the appeals process is called the “Request for Reconsideration”.  During this request, your file and form will be given to a different disability examiner than the person who previously denied you. The process will continue in the same way as last time but with a new set of eyes. The new examiner will evaluate and request updated medical records. 

You will also need to fill out an updated “Disability Report- Appeal” which is similar to the document named “Disability Report – Adult (or Child)” but also asks if the condition has become worse in recent times. You will need to answer all the questions as you did in the first application and include any new illnesses or injuries that you have sustained.  If you retain one of our attorneys, they will do this with you.

Please remember there is a time limit to appeal your denial.  You generally only have 65 days from the date of your denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration. You can do so either online at the www.ssa.gov website or in person at your local Social Security office.  Of course, you can also retain an attorney to assist with the filing of this appeal.

Request for Hearing

Your Request for Reconsideration may be denied. Unfortunaltely, most Request for Reconsiderations are denied.  If this is the case, then you should file a Request for Hearing which is another type of appeal. Again, you only have 65 days from the date of your denial letter to file a Request for Hearing.  You can do so either online at the www.ssa.gov website or in person at your local Social Security office.  If you have retained an attorney they should help you do this.

Once you have submitted a Request for Hearing, your case will be transferred to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) where, if requested, it will be scheduled for a Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  This is the most important level of the appeals process.  It is very important to appeal denials of benefits to at least the Hering level.

Appeals Council

If your Request for Hearing is also denied, there are other step you can take to appeal the denials.  After the Request for Hearing level you may appeal to the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia.   If the Appeals Council denies the appeal you have the right to appeal into Federal District Court. 

 Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Lawyers

If you or your loved one is disabled and unable to work it can be hard to get by and to keep up with the incoming bills. If you do not have an income coming in, it can be harder than ever to not only take care of yourself and remain out of debt. If you are confused about your Social Security Disability and SSI benefits or looking for more information about your legal rights, then contact Reitan Law Office, PLLC.  Our Minnesota disability lawyers have been helping Minnesotans for more than 30 years and would be happy to discuss your disability claim with you.  There is no charge to meet with us and ask your questions.

We provide two convenient locations to choose from. Call 507-388-1800 in Mankato or 952-448-2800 in Twin Cities and speak to a qualified and compassionate Minnesota disability benefits lawyer attorney today!