WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU MUST DO WHEN DENIED DISABILITY BENEFITS?

The first thing you must do is appeal in writing, and you must do so within 60 days of the denial date. Failure to do this will cause you to lose all rights under this claim.

An appeal is the only thing that protects your rights, protects your benefits and keeps your case active. Don't let it die.

File the appeal before trying to understand what went wrong.

File the appeal before planning how to win it.

File the appeal before getting new evidence.

In fact, don't do anything before you file your appeal--unless it's talking to a Social Security disability attorney.

Why do i say this? Because many people get so wrapped up in the whys and hows that they delay filing the appeal, and delay is your worst enemy. Act immediately to get an appeal filed.

The Social Security system is not set up to reward applications. It rewards appeals. Applications weed out claimants. Appeals often pay claimants. But remember, every unfavorable decision must be appealed within sixty days, or you forever lose the right to appeal.

The first appeal is called a "Request for Reconsideration." There's a 90 percent chance it will also be denied. File an appeal. The next appeal takes you before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing--and this is exactly where you want to be.

Confused about the appeals process? Most people are. But don't let that lull you into hopelessness or cause you to feel overwhelmed. There are professionals who handle these matters every day. It costs nothing to get a consultation, and a disability attorney/advocate won't charge you a feel unless you win. Get help and get prepared to win your benefits.