WILL YOU REALLY GET DENIED TWICE?

There are some myths about Social Security disability--and there are some harsh truths. It's a myth that everyone gets denied on the first try. Actually, around 25 percent get approved on the first try. 75 percent are denied on the first try, but about one-half of those will be approved on appeal.

It is true that the vast majority of claimants will be denied twice before they are approved.

Most claims are denied at the application level. Most of them are denied again at the "Reconsideration" phase (or step 2). In fact, "Reconsideration" carries a better than 90 percent denial rate.

The third step is the hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is usually the end of the long, difficult process. Award rates in Alabama are around 45 percent at the hearing level, the best odds in the whole process.

If you look at statistics, claimants who are represented by competent counsel are at least twice as likely to win, compared to claimants who are unrepresented. This is because attorneys or advocates understand the laws and rules of Social Security. They know how to deal with judges. And, perhaps more importantly, they know how to provide evidence that can win the case.

We know it's easy to get frustrated and just give up. But that's a mistake. Take the two likely denials, but appeal both of them--until you get before a judge. That's really where you need to be for the best chance to win!

An attorney/advocate who specializes in Social Security will be happy to provide you with a free, comprehensive case evaluation. Reach out to the Forsythe Firm Huntsville for help.