Philadelphia Area Social Security Disability Denial

Did Social Security Deny Your Disability Claim? Don’t give up!

It’s frustrating when you know you cannot work but the government still denies your claim for benefits. The disability appeals process takes time and can be frustrating at time, but success is often achieved at the appellate stages.

The majority of people who apply for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits are denied at the initial level. But, at Silver & Silver, we’ll do everything we can to help turn your denial into an approval.

Should your case be denied at the initial level, there are up to four layers of appeal:

1. Reconsideration
   • A review of the claim by someone who did not take part in the first decision. The original evidence is reviewed along with any new information you provide.
2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ):
   • In the Philadelphia area and South Jersey, these typically take place in the Center City Philadelphia, Elkins Park and Pennsauken, NJ, Social Security Administration hearing offices. Most of our cases are approved at this level.
3. Review by The Appeals Council:
   • If the ALJ denies your case, you may ask the Appeals Council to review that decision. The Appeals Council may return your case to the ALJ for a new hearing.
4. Federal Court Review:
   • If you disagree with the Appeals Council decision, you can file a lawsuit in Federal District Court. You must have an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania or New Jersey to represent you at this level!

We’re with you at every step of the appeals process. If you were denied Social Security Disability Benefits, it is not necessarily the final decision. Contact us to talk about your case.

Important – Once you’re denied benefits, the clock starts ticking. Don’t wait. You can miss the deadline to appeal!

Your hearing is often the most critical stage in your case. The hearing takes place before an Administrative Law Judge and is usually your only chance to present evidence in person and face your decision-maker. It is crucial that you are well prepared. If you have received a denial at the initial stage, we strongly recommend you call us as soon as possible.

At Silver & Silver, we’ll:

• Analyze your Social Security file;
• Prepare your case and formulate a winning strategy;
• Gather medical documentation from your doctors and medical providers, including requesting narratives and forms that will bolster your case;
• Prepare you and your witnesses for your testimony before the ALJ;
• Question witnesses;
• Cross-examine any medical and vocational experts who testify at your hearing; and
• Appeal your case to the Appeals Council and to Federal Court if necessary.

Social Security sometimes calls on expert medical and vocational witnesses to provide testimony. We know how to present evidence to maximize your chances and effectively cross-examine these experts.

Most people win benefits with an experienced lawyer.

According to Social Security’s own statistics, people win benefits more often when they have experienced representation. Since there are no legal fees if you don’t win benefits, the decision to get legal representation is an easy one. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your claim.

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