When you’re counting on getting help with your expenses because a medical problem has pushed you out of work, it can be devastating to receive a denial of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
You have a family to support. You feel like you have nowhere else to turn.
But don’t give up hope. Most people get denied the first time they apply for disability. You can – and usually should – appeal your claim.
The appeals process can be time-consuming, but many people who appeal their cases win benefits.
Make sure you understand, though, that you need to move quickly so you don’t miss any deadlines.
Important: If you received a denial letter, you only have 60 days to file your appeal.
Cunningham Law Group takes special care to help you with appeals.
We’re the only law firm in southern Virginia where you can come to our office for a video hearing with one of Social Security’s administrative law judges, who are located in Charlottesville or Richmond.
Contact us for help with your appeal.The Social Security Administration (SSA) has four levels of appeal for disability claimants in Virginia:
At any stage in the process, we strongly urge you to get legal representation. Especially, don’t go to your hearing alone.
Past results show your chances of winning benefits are better when you have a lawyer with you.
Contact us about appealing your claim.Your hearing with a judge is your only chance to meet a decision-maker on your case in person.
That makes it a critical moment for your disability claim.
Make sure you have all your evidence and arguments ready. Many cases are won at this level.
Unlike some out-of-town law firms, the attorneys at Cunningham Law Group make the effort to prepare you for your hearing, meeting you in person ahead of time.
Meeting you in person is important because it helps us better understand your situation before we present it to the judge.
Nothing can replace the power of a face-to-face conversation for finding all the details that might help your case.
It also means you get treated like a person, not a case number.
We also want to be sure you’re confident and comfortable going into your hearing.
If it works best for you, we can arrange for you to come to our office and have your hearing by video. Few law firms offer that option.
This is what we’ll do for you:
Remember: