Pursuing disability benefits through the Social Security Administration can be a frustrating and lengthy process. Many applicants are not successful with their initial attempts to seek benefits, and at some point, a California applicant may find it necessary to request an administrative hearing. Before the hearing, it is beneficial to know what to expect from this process and how to prepare well in order to have a higher chance of success.
The right to appeal
Most initial disability claims come back denied. This is certainly frustrating, but it is not the end of the road for an applicant in need of financial support. After a denied claim, the applicant has the right to request an appeal at multiple levels. The first is to ask for a reconsideration of the claim. If the reconsideration is not successful, the claimant can then request an administrative hearing.
During this type of hearing, a judge will consider the individual case and make a final decision regarding whether the applicant should get disability benefits. The applicant has the right to present evidence and have professional witness testimony, such as a doctor, to support his or her claim. While it is less formal than a judicial hearing, claimants find it beneficial to have legal representation.
Deserved support
Even when a California applicant has a valid disability, he or she may find the process of applying for deserved financial support from the Social Security Administration frustrating and overwhelming. There is significant benefit in working with a legal professional from the very beginning of the process. Having this type of support and guidance may give a claimant a higher chance of success.