Denied Social Security Disability? Here’s What to Do Next
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application was denied, you’re not alone and it’s not the end of the road. The key is not to give up or keep reapplying without making changes. Instead, you need to follow the SSA’s appeals structure step by step.
It’s very common for people to be denied Social Security benefits. In some cases, these individuals set themselves up for a lot of frustration by simply reapplying for the same benefits over and over again and never getting anywhere with it. It’s much more likely that your benefits will get approved if you follow the process built into the Social Security disability application structure. In fact, more people get approved than get disapproved if they follow the process all the way to the third step.
❌ Why SSDI Claims Get Denied Initially
The SSA denies many initial applications due to:
- Missing or insufficient medical documentation
- Technical errors or incomplete forms
- Lack of clarity on how the condition affects your ability to work
Rather than reapplying from scratch, which resets the process, you should use the built-in appeals system to improve your chances of approval.
✅ Step 1: Request for Reconsideration
After your initial denial, the first official step is to file a Request for Reconsideration.
- A different SSA examiner reviews your case
- They use the same medical records and evidence already submitted
- You may submit additional documentation if available
- This stage is typically faster than the original review
After you get turned down the first time – and it’s not a bad idea to anticipate getting turned down the first time – you file a request for reconsideration. This is a fairly quick process, at least compared to the amount of time involved in the initial application. The request for reconsideration involves another examiner taking a look at your Social Security application and determining whether or not they think it should be approved. They will use all of the evidence already gathered by the first examiner and, therefore, the process is a bit faster. If you’re turned down at this phase, you move onto the next phase, which has some significant advantages over the anonymous applications.
⚖️ Step 2: Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If reconsideration doesn’t result in approval, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Why this step matters:
- It’s your first chance to present your case in person
- The ALJ is a real person—not just paperwork
- You can submit new evidence and testimony
- Your attorney can argue your case directly
📊 Statistically, over 50% of applicants who reach this stage are approved. Having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer significantly increases your odds.
An administrative law judge will hear your claim if you make an appeal. Having a Social Security disability attorney there to help can be of great benefit. This gives you a chance to present your evidence in person. Well over half of the people that actually go through this entire process get their disability claims approved. Most of the time, however, people simply keep applying and applying over and over again and fail to make any progress at all. Following the process makes it much more likely that you’ll get a face-to-face meeting with the person responsible for deciding your claim and that you will, in the end, receive the benefits for which you are applying because of your disability.
🛑 What NOT to Do After an SSDI Denial
- Don’t reapply using the same paperwork
- Don’t ignore SSA deadlines (you usually have 60 days to appeal)
- Don’t assume a denial means you’re not eligible
💡 Why You Need a Disability Attorney
Working with a qualified SSDI attorney gives you:
- Help gathering stronger medical documentation
- Guidance through the complex SSA forms and procedures
- Representation at your ALJ hearing
- A better chance of approval at every stage
If you’re in Chicago, IL or the surrounding suburbs and states, The Good Law Group can help you build a strong appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve.
📞 Get Help After Your SSDI Denial
Don’t start over – appeal the right way.
At The Good Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of clients win their disability claims even after initial denials.
✅ Free case evaluation
✅ No fees unless we win your case
✅ Local experience in SSA hearings and appeals
📍 Serving Chicago and suburbs, Illinois and the surrounding states
📞 Call (847) 577-4476
Your Options After Being Denied SSDI
Watch our short video to learn more.
🧠 FAQ: What to Do After an SSDI Denial
Is it normal to be denied Social Security disability benefits the first time?
Yes. The SSA denies most first-time applications. Many eligible people are later approved after filing an appeal.
Can I reapply instead of appealing?
You can, but it’s often less effective. Appeals preserve your original filing date and allow you to build a stronger case with better evidence.
How long do I have to appeal after an SSDI denial?
You typically have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration.
What happens at a disability hearing?
An Administrative Law Judge reviews your case, asks questions, and may hear testimony from you, medical experts, or vocational specialists. You (or your attorney) can also present new evidence.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal an SSDI denial?
You’re not required to have a lawyer, but having one significantly improves your chances of success especially during a hearing.
2 Reasons Why You Might’ve Been Denied SSD Benefits and What To Do
Were your Social Security Disability benefits denied? If so, we know the situation can be very frustrating. However, there are steps you can take to prevent or appeal a denial. The Good Law Group can help you every step of the way. To find out more, watch our short video.
I Was Denied Disability Benefits for Lack of Medical Evidence – Now What?
If your social security disability application was denied for lack of medical evidence, don’t panic! There are steps you can take to improve your chances of approval.
Tips on preventing unnecessary delays in a Social Security Disability decision
The normal application process for Social Security Disability benefits is estimated to take anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. However, that process can be delayed by mistakes made by applicants themselves. In order to avoid such delays, applicants in Illinois should educate themselves with the following tips. Research the application process Many people simply download or pick up an application, fill it out and then submit it. However, this can be a costly mistake. As with any government form, a missing piece of information, misspellings and other errors can result in an automatic dismissal and denial of benefits. Before people decide to fill out the application, they should read up on the list of conditions that are eligible for disability benefits, how to fill out an application form correctly and what additional information they should include. Understanding the process can also assist people in determining whether they meet the required SSD qualifications. For example, a person who has no work history and is not a claimed dependent may not be able to qualify. People who have other sources of income such as investments or pensions might make too much to receive SSD benefits. People who don’t think they may be eligible should still conduct some research in the event that their health condition deteriorates, preventing them from supporting themselves and their families. Take a proactive approach SSA staff members are human and can make mistakes which may lead to a denial of applications. To lower the risk of this occurring, it is important for applicants to take a proactive approach with their application. They should create a personal file for their own records in which they keep copies of everything submitted to the SSA, [...]
