Advice for Appealing a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits in the Fresno and Bakersfield Areas
How to Appeal a Denial
Go to Your Local Social Security Office to File Your Appeal
Appeal by Phone and Mail
Appeal Online
First Appeal
Completing the Reconsideration Forms
Request for Reconsideration
Disability Report – Appeal
Supplementing the Reconsideration Forms
Appeal Promptly
You have 65 days from the date on your denial letter to file your appeal. If you are late without “good cause,” you will need to start over with a new application.
Second Appeal
17 out of 20 claimants who file a Request for Reconsideration will have that request denied. Do not let a reconsideration denial discourage you. Begin work as soon as possible on your second and probably last appeal.
Completing the Forms
Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (form HA-501-U5).
This is another short and easy-to-complete form. Do not provide a detailed response to this question: “5. I request a hearing before an administrative law judge. I disagree with the determination made on my claim because:” You need respond only with, “I am disabled.”
Disability Report – Appeal (form SSA-3441-BK)
Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA-827)
Assistance Available
Most claims for Social Security Disability are denied at the initial level, so it is important not to get discouraged. If your application has been denied and you are wondering whether it is worth appealing your Social Security disability case, consider obtaining an expert disability attorney in Bakersfield for evaluation. Give us a brief description of your claim using the form on the Contact page, and we will respond promptly. Or you may contact us.