Injured Workers Should Not Stand Alone

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Social Security Disability Hearings And Appeals

Anybody who applies for SSDI or SSI benefits should be prepared to go through several rounds of appeals en route to the final decision. While the delay can be frustrating, understanding that the battle is just a normal part of the process can help you stay motivated and diligent. Working with one of our experienced and persistent Modesto Social Security Disability hearings attorneys at the Law Offices of Kelly, Duarte, Urstoeger & Ruble LLP, can help keep you focused on your long-term goal to secure the benefits you need.

Embarking On The Journey Of Appeals

After your initial claim is denied, you will begin the process of filing an SSI or an SSDI appeal. The appeals process for both types of disability benefits follows a similar pattern:

  • Reconsideration: You and your attorney may include supplementary information from your doctor in the reconsideration plea to support your claim. Specific information such as lab tests or MRI reports will help your case more than would a general letter from your doctor stating that you are disabled and unable to work.
  • Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing: At this step, the court may need testimony from you, certain medical professionals and any witnesses before issuing its written decision. If you disagree with the decision, you may then submit your case for a Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Council hearing.
  • SSA Appeals Council hearing: The Appeals Council does not have to hear your case if it believes that the ALJ hearing produced the correct decision. If they do accept your case, however, they may either take up the case themselves or refer it back to the ALJ for another hearing.
  • Federal Court: If your case is rejected by an SSA Appeals Council hearing, you and your lawyer may then take your case to Federal Court and proceed through their appeals process.

Our thorough and patient lawyers at theLaw Offices of Kelly, Duarte, Urstoeger & Ruble LLP, can help you get the perspective you need to endure the uncertainty inherent in the appeals process. We can’t promise results, but we promise to do everything in our power to provide strong representation and sound advice as you seek fair disability benefits for yourself and your family.

Start The Process Today

Call us at 209-225-9463 or email us to make an appointment with one of our California Social Security Disability attorneys. We offer free consultations for people in Modesto and Stockton and surrounding areas who have questions about disability benefits.

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Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to 5 years in prison or up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.