How can an attorney help me appeal my Social Security benefits?

UPDATED: Jul 14, 2023Fact Checked

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Jeffrey Johnson

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Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

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UPDATED: Jul 14, 2023

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UPDATED: Jul 14, 2023Fact Checked

A social security attorney can be in invaluable resource for anyone appealing a denial of social security benefits. These attorneys have a set of legal skills and experience in the areas of law that pertain specifically to raising appeals and winning them.

The Nature of Social Security Claim Appeals


Appeals to government decisions are not like regular appeals in your local small claims court or your local district court. Social security claim appeals have very specific procedural requirements. Navigating these procedures successfully can be an almost-impossible task, especially during such a difficult and stressful time as when applying for disability. However, a licensed, experienced social security lawyer is already an expert in all of these processes. The government has social security lawyers working for them already; having one in your corner can give you the edge you need to file a successful appeal.

Handling Your Social Security Appeal


The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows applicants to handle their appeals by themselves or with the help of a representative. You can appoint anyone you wish to be your representative, including friends or relatives. However, many people choose to hire social security attorneys to fill this role. The reason for this is that your representative in this appeal is much like your representative in a court of law. S/he will be able to serve as your “right arm,” working entirely for your interests, and on your behalf for most issues. If you have a debilitating condition, you can expect having a representative who is proficient at these issues to be an enormous relief.

Getting Help from a Social Security Lawyer


The Social Security Administration will provide you with a written decision regarding eligibility for Social Security or SSI benefits. If you do not agree with the decision, you have a right of appeal. Your appeal may be presented to an Administrative Law Judge who regularly handles these matters and is generally familiar with social security and its eligibility rules.

In going forward with your appeal to an adverse decision, you should seriously consider being represented by a qualified person of your choice. An attorney who practices in the field of social security benefits and appeals will be a valuable resource for you, and help ensure that you have the greatest chance of winning your appeal.

Case Studies: How an Attorney Can Help Appeal Social Security Benefits

Case Study 1: John’s Successful Appeal

John, a 55-year-old individual, had his social security disability benefits application denied. Frustrated and unsure of how to proceed, he decided to seek the help of a social security attorney. The attorney carefully reviewed John’s case, gathered additional evidence, and prepared a strong appeal on his behalf. With the attorney’s expertise in navigating the procedural requirements, John’s appeal was successful, and he was granted the benefits he deserved.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Representative in Court

Sarah, a 40-year-old woman suffering from a debilitating condition, was struggling to handle her social security appeal alone. Feeling overwhelmed, she decided to hire a social security attorney to represent her. The attorney became Sarah’s dedicated representative, working tirelessly to protect her interests. With the attorney’s expertise in handling similar cases, Sarah felt relieved and confident throughout the appeal process. Eventually, her appeal was approved, and she received the social security benefits she was entitled to.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Qualified Guidance

Mark, a 62-year-old individual, received an unfavorable decision from the Social Security Administration regarding his eligibility for benefits. Recognizing the complexity of the appeals process, Mark chose to be represented by a qualified social security attorney. The attorney’s extensive knowledge of social security benefits and appeals proved invaluable. They provided Mark with expert guidance, strengthened his case, and significantly increased his chances of winning the appeal.

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Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Insurance Lawyer

Mary Martin

Published Legal Expert

Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...

Published Legal Expert

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.

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