With nearly everyone that applies getting turned down for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), appearing at an appeal is inevitable. If you look at the appeal as an opportunity to clear up any issues and get your benefits started, it could be your chance to finally get paid. It's vital that you don't waste this chance because you might not get another one. Read on and find out more about preparing for your SSDI appeal hearing.

The Letter Arrives

It can take months to hear anything back from the Social Security Administration (SSA) once you apply. Your application has to go through multiple steps while it's reviewed by a team of SSA workers. When you are turned down, it will come in the form of a letter. It's important to note the deadline for filing an appeal. Usually, applicants have 60 days to do so and the instructions are included in the letter. Unfortunately, this letter can bring more confusion to applicants than information. The letter will provide applicants with the reason for the denial, but that may not clear up any confusion.

Your First Move

If you have received a denial letter, take it to a Social Security lawyer. These lawyers are skilled at interpreting Social Security laws and they understand what the letter means. Furthermore, they understand how to address those issues at the appeal hearing. They can also make sure that you don't miss the appeal deadline. In many cases, applicants are denied for these common reasons:

1. Not demonstrating severity – That usually means you failed to show that your medical condition would have prevented you from working for a certain minimum length of time.
2. Not meeting the impairment listing – Your impairment should match up to a listing in the SSA's blue book.
3. You may be able to work at other jobs – Your impairment is such that you might be able to work at an alternate job.

Fighting the Denial

Your SSDI lawyer knows what the SSA is looking for in terms of proof of your medical condition and can fight back against the reason for the denial no matter what that might be. Take the third reason above. If the SSA insists that you can still work at another job, your lawyer will show the hearing officer that your medical impairment won't allow you to work at certain jobs, that there are no suitable jobs in your area, and that you don't have the skills to do other work.

Don't attend your appeal hearing without professional legal help. It makes all the difference in the world and can result in a reversal of the denial. Contact a local attorney to learn more.