Appeals
Disability Denied? We Appeal — And Win.
~65% of initial claims are denied. Don't reapply — appeal. You have 60 days. The hearing level is where most cases are actually won.
The four levels of disability appeals
1. Reconsideration
A different reviewer at DDS looks at your file. Approval rates are low (~13%), but it's a required step in most states. We strengthen your medical record before resubmission.
2. Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
This is where cases are won. You testify, a vocational expert testifies, and we cross-examine. Represented claimants are far more likely to win at this stage. See the data →
3. Appeals Council review
If the ALJ denies you, we ask the Appeals Council to review for legal error. They can affirm, reverse, or remand.
4. Federal court remands
If the Appeals Council denies review, the next step is filing a civil action in federal district court. We coordinate with outside counsel who handle the federal court filing and briefing. When the court agrees the SSA got it wrong and remands the case back to Social Security for a new hearing, we step back in and represent you through the remand hearing and decision.
How fast do I have to act?
60 days from the date on your denial notice. Miss it and you start over — losing months of back pay. Call us today.
What it costs
Nothing up front. Our fee is paid only out of past-due benefits if we win, capped by federal law. Read our fee policy →