If you have applied for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and your application was denied you can appeal the denial. But you will have to write a letter to include with your appeal, and that letter will impact your appeal. It’s important to include information that the SSA needs and write the letter according to this format to increase your chances of getting your application approved on appeal:
Guide To Writing A Disability Appeal Letter
When you’re writing a Social Security disability appeal letter you need to be methodical about the information that is included. Writing a basic letter that doesn’t include facts that the SSA needs to make a decision isn’t going to help your case. This is what you need to know to write a disability appeal letter:
Figure Out Why Your Application Was Denied
When your application is denied you will receive a denial letter from the SSA. Read that letter very carefully because it will contain important information that you need to address in your disability appeal letter.
The denial letter that you receive should include a section that explains why your application was denied. In most cases, the reason for the denial is something simple like an incorrectly filled out form or not enough evidence of disability. When you start your disability appeal letter you will need to fix whatever reason the SSA gives for denying your application.
Fix Any Errors In The Application
Go over your application in detail paying close attention to how it’s filled out. Check every form to make sure that you have filled out each relevant section, printed neatly or typed the answers, and submitted correct information.
You should also make sure that you have included certified copies of documents like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable. Double-check to be sure that all of your medical records are included in the application packet too.
It’s a very good idea to speak with a disability attorney and have them review your application packet. An experienced disability lawyer knows what information should be included with your application and how those forms should be filled out. They can answer your questions and help you make sure all the forms are filled out correctly.
Add New Facts
If the reason why your Social Security disability application was denied was that you didn’t include enough medical evidence, you need to add more to the application packet. In your disability appeal letter add a section highlighting the new evidence you added to the application, such as an RFC from your doctor stating why you can’t work.
Follow All Appeal Instructions
You must follow all the Social Security disability appeal instructions, or your application won’t be reconsidered. Instructions will be given in your denial letter for when you need to submit your appeal letter and what you must do in order for your application to be reconsidered.
If you’re not sure what the denial letter says about appealing the decision and you’re afraid you won’t follow all the instructions because you don’t understand them, talk to a disability attorney. They will help you navigate the disability appeal process.
Be Mindful Of The Deadline
When you receive a denial letter you have 60 days from the date of the letter to file an appeal. That’s it. So, don’t wait. Start your appeal as soon as you get the letter and make sure that you turn it in before the 60-day deadline.
It doesn’t matter what stage of the appeal process you’re in. Every time your application is denied, and you receive a Social Security disability denial letter you will have 60 days to send a disability appeal letter.
How Do I Write A Good Disability Appeal Letter?
There are four steps you should follow when you’re writing a Social Security disability appeal letter. Make sure that you stick to the facts and don’t write too emotionally. The Social Security Administration is going to make a decision based on facts, not emotion. Follow these steps when you're writing your disability appeal letter:
Assemble All Of Your Documents
Make sure that all the documents that you’re submitting have your claim number and contact information on them in the top corner in case those sheets get separated from your letter. Include copies of new medical records or documents as well as any documents that you are adding to support your case.
Fill Out The Appeal Form Correctly
There are forms that you will need to fill out and attach to your letter including the official Request For Reconsideration. Take your time filling out the forms and make sure they are filled out correctly.
Write Your Appeal Letter
When you are writing your disability appeal letter you should:
- Be concise
- Stick to the facts
- Address all of the reasons given in the denial letter
- State again why you can’t work
- Mention any new medication information or facts
Attach All Copies Of Documents Needed
Attach copies of all your supporting documents to your letter. The more evidence you have that proves you are disabled and can’t work the stronger your case will be.
Sample Disability Appeal Letter
A sample Social Security disability appeal letter might look something like:
[Your name and claim number]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of SSA office]
Attn: Appeals Department
To Whom It May Concern:
Hello,
This Social Security disability appeal letter is a response to your recent denial of my application for disability benefits. Though I respect your decision, I request that my application be reconsidered.
On March 4, 2020, I was injured at my job in a work-related accident. As a result of this injury, I have had multiple surgeries that failed to correct my injury. I now have permanent damage to my left leg which makes it impossible for me to work.
I am unable to use public transit to get to work because of my injury and I also cannot drive myself because of my injury. My employer reassigned me to a remote position, but I was unable to complete my work fully at home because of the necessity of collaborating with other employees to do the job. This led to my employer firing me in June of 2020. I am unable to perform any other type of work and need disability benefits.
Included with this letter are recent medical records, operations appointments, treatments, and medications that may not have been considered during your evaluation process. There are notarized letters from my general physician and two surgeons attesting to my inability to function in even the mildest office environment. I am prepared to take any tests needed to substantiate this.
Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
John Smith
Contact a Disability Attorney
You should consult with a disability attorney before filing your appeal. Talking to a disability attorney is a great way to make sure that your application is complete and that your disability appeal letter addresses all of the denial reasons that were given in the denial letter.
To speak with a disability lawyer right now about your appeal letter fill out a Free Case Evaluation. You’ll be connected with a disability lawyer who subscribes to the website and may be able to help you with your case.
