If your claim for disability benefits is denied there is no limit to how many times you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. However, once you apply you must go through the entire appeals process. If all of your appeals are denied you can start the application process again.
How Many Times Can Someone Be Denied Disability Benefits
There is technically no limit to how many times your application for disability benefits can be denied. In fact, most people are denied on their first attempt to get Social Security disability benefits. Usually this is due to technical mistakes or errors.
If you apply for Social Security disability benefits and your claim is denied you need to resubmit your application for all the different appeals that are available. Only after your application is denied at all the appeal levels can you submit a new application. Once you submit a new application the process starts all over. It can take a very long time for your application to go through the entire process.
Stages of the Appeals Process
The first step in getting Social Security disability benefits is to submit an application for benefits with medical evidence showing that you meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria. If that claim is denied then you move on to the next stage – reconsideration.
Reconsideration is a chance to fix any mistakes that you made in the application or amend your application to include more medical evidence. If your reconsideration is denied, then you go to the next stage- a hearing.
At the hearing an administrative law judge will go through your application to decide if you meet the criteria for disability and should be awarded Social Security disability benefits. If the administrative law judge decides your application doesn’t meet the criteria for disability, then you move onto the next stage of appeals- a review by the Appeals Council.
At a formal review by the Appeals Council a team of people who are experts in Social Security cases will review all of your application materials, including your RFC and your medical records. If the Appeals Council rules that your application is denied you have one stage left- Federal Court.
When your application goes to Federal Court it can take a long time before you get a decision. If that decision is a denial of your claim then you can complete a new application and start the process again.
What To Do When Denied
If your claim is denied read the denial carefully because it will contain any information you need to appeal the decision, including a time limit if there is one. Then you should speak with a disability attorney. A disability attorney can help you make your application stronger so that you’re more likely to get an approval when the claim goes to an appeal.
Speak with a Disability Attorney
If you applied for Social Security disability benefits but your claim was denied fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with an independent attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to help you with your application for disability benefits.
