Responsible for administering retirement benefits for millions of Americans, the Social Security Administration (SSA) also operates a safety net program that provides financial assistance for workers that lose their jobs because of a disability. Filing a disability claim in South Dakota involves collecting and organizing medical evidence that proves a claimant cannot work due to a serious illness or injury.
With most claims coming back denied by the SSA, you should be aware of the procedure established by the SSA for a South Dakota disability benefits appeal. The appeal process starts with the SSA and it can end with a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits in South Dakota
Filing for disability benefits in South Dakota is all about submitting conclusive medical evidence that prompts the SSA to approve your claim. A team of medical examiners from the SSA refers to a guide called the Blue Book to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
Your medical condition must list in the Blue Book, but just as important, the severity of your symptoms must meet the standards established by the SSA medical guide. Proving that you qualify for financial assistance also requires the submission of documents that demonstrate you have missed a significant amount of time from work.
You have three ways to file for South Dakota disability benefits. First, you can apply online at ssa.gov. Filing your claim online is the most convenient way to apply for financial assistance to cover the cost of medical bills, as well as the income lost because of downtime from work. Second, filing a disability claim in South Dakota can be done over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213. The third option involves visiting one of the field offices located in South Dakota.
South Dakota Disability Benefits Claim Statistics
Three are three steps established by the SSA to receive South Dakota disability benefits. For the first step, South Dakota has ranked above the national average for several years when it comes to the SSA approving initial claims. For example, South Dakota produce an approval rate for disability claims of 45.4 percent in 2020 while the national average sat at 38.4 percent.
For the reconsideration appeal, just 14 percent of all cases received approval by the SSA in 2020. Still, the 14 percent exceeded the national average for a reconsideration appeal by .03 percent. Because South Dakota does not have an office that processes appeal hearings, the state does not publish statistics for the approval rates of ALJ hearings.
Reversing a Social Security Disability Denied Claim
If you have been denied disability in South Dakota, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step of the appeals process requires you to file an appeal for consideration with the SSA. A team of medical examiners from the SSA reviews your appeal by once again referring to the Blue Book.
This means you need to submit more persuasive medical evidence the second time around to qualify for financial assistance. Additional reports submitted by your physician not only can include the severity of your symptoms, but the reports can also include a written statement from your doctor that describes the prognosis for you to make a full recovery.
One document that you might submit with your appeal for reconsideration is called the results of a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. Conducted by a doctor from the SSA, and RFC assessment describes your ability to continue working at your current job.
You might undergo several physical tests that determine your ability to stay on your feet throughout the day if standing on your feet throughout the day is one of your job requirements. As opposed to the documents submitted with your initial claim, an RFC assessment provides the SSA with concrete data on how limited you are while at work.
Getting Help Filing a Disability Claim in South Dakota
If you have been denied disability in South Dakota, you should consider contacting a Social Security attorney to help you build a stronger claim. Your lawyer can determine why the SSA sent you a Social Security disability denied letter, as well as ensure you file your appeal before the 60-day deadline. The 60-day deadline is set on the day that you received your denial letter from the SSA.
Schedule a free case evaluation today with a Social Security attorney to learn more about the steps established by the SSA for filing an appeal for reconsideration.
