3) Get denied and fail to appeal.
I high percentage of people who have filed for SSI/Social Security disability benefits get denied at the initial application level as well as the reconsideration level. Unfortunately, often times people get denied and they do not pursue the case any further. That is a huge mistake because a denial at one of those two stages certainly does not mean that you cannot get disability benefits. Most of our success on disability claims is accomplished at the hearing level which comes after reconsideration. Unfortunately many people who are legitimately disabled never get to the hearing level because they do not appeal a denial.
4) Appeal a disability denial but do it more than 60 days after receiving the denial.
Many people who get denied disability benefits do not realize how important it is to remember that there is a 60 day deadline to file an appeal. If you miss the deadline then you more than likely will have to apply again, which could very well cost you some back pay. I often tell my clients that the most important thing on a denial decision is the date it was issued. When you get denied be very mindful of the 60 day deadline and be careful not to miss it.
Tags: claims processing, disability, new mexico, Social Security
