You've been denied Social Security Disability, now what? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

You've FINALLY heard back and got the courage to open the envelope and learned that your application has been denied. You're disappointed, sad, angry and grieving. Take time to feel those emotions. Once you've taken a beat, get ready to get back to work.

First, make sure you haven't been denied on an eligibility technicality. Check out this website for more info:

https://usafacts.org/data-projects/disability-benefit-process

If you have met all the eligibility requirements, start an appeal. You must submit an appeal within 60 days. The first step is called "reconsideration." A claims specialist in your local Social Security office will review your file and may or may not approve you.

If you are denied again, the next step is appealing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the step where most people I know have been approved for benefits. These hearings can be held in person or remotely. At this point (or perhaps prior) you might be wondering, "should I hire an attorney?" You can find a SSI Attorney easily in your area and online.

You don't have to pay for a lawyer up front, out of pocket. They will look at your file and if they think your case is strong enough, they'll take you on as a client. Then they will gather documentation, file paperwork on your behalf, get forms from your doctors, etc. to help build your case. Because they know the ins and outs of the system, it can be helpful and comforting to have someone walk you through the process and help you -- especially with a hearing or any further appeal. The attorney takes their fees out of the back payment you'd receive from Social Security, because of that you don't ever really "feel" the payment.

If you are denied at this stage there are two further ways to appeal. However, that means more and more time. In 2022, getting approval by Administrative Law Judge was 1.5 years. When you're talking about going without an income for this amount of time -- many face bankruptcy or worse. It's worth considering how you'll make ends meet as you embark on this daunting process.

Have you applied for Social Security? Did you use an attorney? Any tips or tricks you'd recommend to others about the process?

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.