If you’ve been hurt at work but were denied Social Security disability, you’ll need to appeal the ruling. When you request an appeal for your Social Security disability payments, you’ll go through this appeals process before you can receive payments.
First, you need to send a signed request for the appeal. That simply shows that you disagreed with the decision. Next, you need to send in all additional information that had been requested and complete documents. If you were previously rejected for missing items, this may be a good time to speak with someone familiar with the law in the state so you can turn in the appropriately filled out paperwork.
Following this, the Social Security Administration should get in contact with you to have you fill out a disability report and to get a signed medical release form. If those have already been sent in, they will be reviewed at this point. Following that, if you have new medical records, those should also be turned in.
For appeals, you will need to go to a face-to-face interview. This is important, as showing up in a face-to-face situation allows the person making the decision to see your disability (if physical). The appointment allows you to discuss any confusion or concerns you have as well.
You should receive a notification indicating the department’s decision on your case after that. In many cases, your appeal should be approved. However, if it isn’t, it may be time to speak with someone who can help you. When you’re injured and it’s the fault of your workplace, employer or someone else, you have a right to these payments. Making sure you get them is vital to you living a comfortable life.
Source: Social Security Online, “How the disability Appeals Process works” accessed Jan. 15, 2015