If your application has gotten lost in that shuffle, and you are denied at the Initial Decision step I may be able to help you. Don’t be discouraged. You are not alone. Appeals Process.
Social Security iAppeals allows a Claimant and a Claimant’s attorney or representative to file an appeal online. This allows us to provide documents electronically to Social Security when we file your appeal. File Request for Reconsideration online. (you need a my Social Security account to file the Request.
The Reconsideration decision is made by the state Disability Determination Service (“DDS”):
Massachusetts: 22 Front Street, P.O. Box 8009, Worcester, MA 01614
Connecticut: 309 Warwarme Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114
Unfortunately, the allowance rate for disabled workers who file for Reconsideration of their claims is even lower than the initial application.
In my opinion, the main reason for the lower allowance rates at the Reconsideration level is that the claims are being decided on paper. So, to avoid the disappointment of another denial, you must make sure that the claims reviewers can easily see why your medical evidence requires them to award your benefits. You must be certain that all the relevant evidence is prepared and presented to the people who are looking at your claim file. That’s what I do for my clients. I gather the evidence and submit it in an organized format. That makes the reviewer’s job easier.
Social Security must inform you of your right to appeal for Reconsideration, and your right to have a represent help you. You can not appeal a claim denial by calling Social Security on the telephone. You must file a written request.
To make a disability decision at Reconsideration, or any other step in the review process, Social Security must “consider all of the available evidence in the individual’s case record.” Social Security regulations explain that the evidence includes Objective medical evidence and medical opinion. To explain the severity of your impairment(s), and how it affects your ability to function, we show Social Security evidence from medical and non medical sources. 20 CFR 404.1513.
If you are a disabled worker in Hampden County Massachusetts or Suffield, Enfield or Somers, Connecticut, and you have worked 5 out of the last 10 years, call me at (413) 567-5600 for help with your case. If you are notified that Social Security has denied your claim at the Reconsideration step, you have 60 days to appeal to an Administrative Law Judge