SSDI Appeals Process

Social Security Disability Lawyers

What if My Social Security Claim is Denied in North Carolina or South Carolina?

After months of waiting for a determination regarding your initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim, receiving a denial can be a blow. It is important to keep in mind, however, that an applicant’s chances of approval increase substantially on appeal. At Grimes Teich Anderson LLP, our Social Security attorneys advocate for people throughout North and South Carolina who are appealing an initial denial of a claim. We have the legal skill and knowledge needed to present your situation in a favorable manner.

Request a Reconsideration of an Initial Denial

There are several levels of appeal that allow for further review and potentially the reversal of an erroneously denied benefits claim. After submitting your initial application pursuant to the SSDI claims process, you will receive a letter of determination from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the decision is unfavorable, the letter will outline the steps for the first level of appeal, which is a reconsideration. The deadline to file an appeal is generally 60 days from the date of the decision, plus five days for mailing.

A reconsideration is a complete review of your case by a claims examiner who was not involved in the initial decision. The examiner will re-evaluate all of the information contained in your initial file, along with any additional supporting documentation and updated medical records that you may submit with your appeal. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you may appeal it by promptly requesting a hearing.

Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

A hearing before an administrative law judge provides the best chance of receiving an SSDI benefits decision in your favor. As with the request for reconsideration, the deadline to file an appeal is generally 60 days from the date of the decision, plus five days. At this stage of the appeal process, professional legal guidance may be particularly helpful in representing you at the hearing.

You will have the opportunity to review your file and submit any additional evidence to the administrative law judge in advance of a hearing. In some cases, you may request that the administrative law judge make a decision before the hearing, based solely on your file and any additional evidence that you submit. If the administrative law judge issues a decision in your favor, there will be no need for a hearing. If not, you will have the chance to present your case at a hearing. At the hearing, you may testify and call others to testify in support of your SSDI claim. In addition, the SSA may call its own witnesses, which you or your attorney may cross-examine. The administrative law judge will issue a written decision some time after the hearing, which may be appealed if you disagree.

Review by Appeals Council

If the hearing decision is not in your favor, you may then request a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council, which will look at your claim, the hearing decision, and any additional evidence submitted with your appeal. The Appeals Council may deny a request to review the hearing decision if it seems reasonable and procedurally correct. If it does accept your request for review, it will consider all of the evidence and legal issues and make a determination. If the Appeals Council declines to review your hearing decision, or issues a determination that is not in your favor, you may then appeal its decision by filing a lawsuit in federal district court.

Consult an Attorney in North or South Carolina for an SSDI Appeal

An SSDI lawyer can guide claimants in North and South Carolina through the appeals process, representing them diligently throughout the proceedings. The attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson LLP offer skilled legal representation to people who are confronting the challenges of a serious medical condition. We have offices in Asheville, Waynesville, Spruce Pine, Franklin and Rutherfordton, North Carolina and in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call 800-533-6845.

"I made a wise decision in choosing Grimes Teich Anderson to handle my personal injury claim. I would recommend them to anyone who finds themselves battling an insurance company that doesn’t care that you’re injured and in a bind. Great job guys."

Paul W.

Client

"Great experience having GTA handle my case. I will recommend them to all my friends and family. Very professional and knowledgeable about workers compensation law."

Rusty G.

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"What a great group to work with. Grimes Teich Anderson are very knowledgeable and take the time to go over everything and explain the process clearly to make sure you get the most you deserve. I highly recommend this firm."

Colleen M.

Client

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To fully recover from an accident, you need an aggressive legal team that does not rest until they get the results you want and need. At Grimes Teich Anderson, our experienced team remains available to you 24/7. If you have questions about an injury or disability matter, contact us today.

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We have multiple locations in the Carolinas to serve you

Grimes Teich Anderson offers free injury consultations and can get started on your case electronically.

ASHEVILLE OFFICE

535 College St,
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 251-0800

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

FRANKLIN OFFICE

244 Porter St Suite D,
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 564-2488

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

RUTHERFORDTON OFFICE

117 Laurel Dr,
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-1033

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

SPRUCE PINE OFFICE

12474 NC-226,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-7700

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

WAYNESVILLE OFFICE

385 N Haywood St,
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 452-7888

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

GREENVILLE OFFICE

111 E North St,
Greenville, SC 29601

Phone: (864) 421-0770
Fax: (877) 518-0107

*Each case is different, so not all information on this website, as well as some which may not be provided, will apply to every case. Because the facts and relevant laws are different from case to case, Grimes Teich Anderson does not guarantee that the outcome, results, or experiences with one lawyer or one case will be similar to another.

Except for Employment Law Cases, Attorney's fees are a percentage of the entire recovery and will be deducted before other expenses. In addition to the fee in these cases, Client will be responsible for litigation expenses, which will either be deducted from the recovery or paid by the client. Some Employment Law Cases may be handled on a contingency fee basis and others handled on an hourly basis, where the client is billed for the hours spent on the case. Based on our experience, we will advise you of the most appropriate fee arrangement in Employment Law cases.

Material on this website is for information purposes and is not legal advice.

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