Initial Claims The Social Security Administration will look at your age,
education and work history and your medical impairments. Attorney Howard
will help you file the Initial Claim forms and the documents and medical
records you need. Statistically, most people are denied at the Initial
Determination. You will have a better chance of winning if you have an
attorney. If you have already been denied, an appeal must be filed within 60
days from the date you receive the denial notice. It is important to contact
Attorney Howard assist in filing a NEW claim. If you have been denied, contact
Attorney Howard as soon as possible after a denial so you won't lose your
rights.
Reconsideration This is the first appeal of your denial of benefits. Social
Security will require more forms be completed and will look at your medical
records again and at any new records or doctor statements that Attorney
Howard submits on your behalf. Again, most claims are denied at this level. If
you have already been denied the Federal Reviewing Official, an appeal must
be completed within 60 days from the date you received the denial. Again, it is
important to contact Attorney Howard as soon as possible after a denial so
you won' t lose your rights.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing If you are denied by the Federal
Reviewing Offficial, a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is the next
appeal. Attorney Howard will be able to tell the Judge why you should not have
been denied. She will submit new medical evidence, make legal arguments to
the Judge, ask you questions that will help you present your claim, cross
examine any vocational expert or medical expert that attend the hearing, and
submit written legal arguments on your behalf. After the Hearing, all decisions
by the Judge, FAVORABLE and UNFAVORABLE, in our area, will be reviewed
by the Decision Review Board. Again, it is important to contact Attorney
Howard as soon as possible after a denial so you won't lose your rights.
Decision Review Board This is the last review before the Social Security
Administration if you are denied at a Hearing. Attorney Howard will submit
written legal arguments on your behalf. You will not have to attend a Hearing in
person. The Decision Review Board may send your claim back to the Judge.
An appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date you receive the decision to
the United States District Court. Again, it is important to contact Attorney
Howard as soon as possible after a denial so you won't lose your rights.
Federal Court Appeals A lawsuit may be filed against the Social Security
Administration in the United States District Court. You must have an Attorney
to file the appeal, unless you file pro se. A Non-Attorney cannot represent you
in Court. The court will review your file, the transcripts, and written legal
arguments filed on your behalf.
Copyright © 2006, Alida Howard. All rights reserved.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
INITIAL CLAIMS AND APPEALS
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ALIDA S. HOWARD ATTORNEY AT LAW
TELEPHONE: 508-753-3301
TOLL FREE: 1-800-753-2026
FAX: 508-756-4640
EMAIL: AHOW@SSDISABILITY.COM
LOCATIONS: 51 Union Street, Ste. 101, Worcester, MA 01608
11 Park Street, Leominster, MA 01453