People who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits often need immediate assistance. They cannot work due to pressing medical challenges, and they need resources to pay their regular cost-of-living expenses. When they apply, they probably expect the Social Security Administration (SSA) to quickly approve them.
Unfortunately, that isn’t necessarily what happens. Frequently, people in need of SSDI benefits receive rejection notices instead of immediate approval. They then have to decide whether or not appealing is worth the effort. There are actually several valuable benefits that come from appealing an SSDI benefits claim instead of giving up or simply reapplying.
Support and guidance options
Many people receive a rejection notice in part because they tried to handle the SSDI application process on their own. They may have underestimated the medical information they needed to obtain benefits or might have made mistakes on the paperwork. The appeals process often seems much more intimidating than initially applying, so people tend to reach out for support from a legal professional instead of trying to manage the process on their own.
Receiving additional medical feedback
In many cases, the issue holding an applicant back from the benefits they need is insufficient medical documentation. The attorney assisting them with the appeals process can help them understand what kind of testing might help them convince SSA professionals of their need for benefits. Functional evaluation testing and other in-depth medical reviews can not only improve the chances of getting benefits but can also help workers dealing with disabling medical conditions better manage their health challenges in the future.
Qualifying for backdated benefits
One of the reasons that it is better to appeal rather than to reapply is that the appeals process can result in backdated benefits. When the SSA makes mistakes regarding a worker’s eligibility for benefits, approval may result in them receiving a lump-sum payment for the benefits they should have received if they had obtained approval initially. Those benefits can help them catch up on their household bills or medical debts.
Instead of giving up, previously working adults with disabling medical conditions often enjoy a better future when they appeal an SSDI benefits denial. Understanding the value of the appeals process can help people find the motivation to continue pursuing the benefits they need.