Write an Appeal Letter to Social Security Disability

If your application for social security disability benefits is rejected, you have the option of appealing that decision and asking for a reexamination and reconsideration of your case. The appeal process involves submitting a social security disability appeal report (provided by the social security agency) and submitting a letter of appeal. Appealing a social security rejection can be a lengthy and exhaustive process, especially if it is not correctly executed, and you may be repeatedly rejected if you cannot prove your case. Therefore, it is important to draft an effective appeal letter when you apply for a decision reconsideration. Follow these guidelines for how to write an appeal letter to social security disability.

Steps

1. Read your rejection letter carefully. Take note of the reason for rejection, as you will have to counter this reason in your social security appeal.
2. List your basic details. This is information that will help the social security office identify you and your case. Include the following:
   • Identifying information. Provide your full name, as it appears on your social security documents, as well as your social security number.
   • Contact information. This includes your address, telephone number(s) and email address, as well as any additional contact information that you feel is necessary to the social security office being able to contact to in regards to your social security appeal.
   • Case number. This number is provided to you by the social security office, and can be found on your rejection letter, as well as any other correspondence the social security office sends.
3. State your intent to appeal the denial of your social security disability benefits.
4. Describe your disability and how it has affected your life. This is the opportunity to address and counter the social security rejection decision. Go into detail on the following subjects:
   • History of your disability. Describe the events leading up to your disability, from the time the first symptoms arose to the time you were diagnosed. Include dates so as to establish a timeline and illustrate the duration of the problems related to your disability.
   • Symptoms and secondary symptoms of your disability. The purpose of a social security appeal is to expound on your condition in a way that will compel the decision-makers at the social security office to change their minds. Therefore, you should be as descriptive as possible when you address your symptoms. Include aches and pains, as well the psychological effects (anxiety, depression, etc.), social effects (withdrawal and isolation, loss of friends, separation from spouse, etc.) and other quality of life consequences that result from your disability.
   • Inability to work. Expound on how and why your symptoms prevent you from maintaining employment. For example, your pain may be so severe that you require heavy painkillers, which make you unable to focus on tasks, or perhaps you must be on a strict routine of physical, occupational and psychological therapy that prevents you from committing to a work schedule.
   • Difficulty in maintaining lifestyle. Your letter of appeal should include a testament to the financial difficulties you face due to your disability. If applicable, describe your inability to pay bills on time, feed your family and/or keep shelter over your head.
5. Get supporting documentation from your doctor. This includes medical records that prove your disability, as well as a doctor's note describing the extent of your disability and your apparent inability to work due to your disability.

Sample Appeal Letters

Doc:Appeal Letter for Depression,Appeal Letter for Anxiety,Appeal Letter for Injury

Tips

• Submit your letter of appeal, in addition to all supportive documentation, the appeal report and the required medical release forms, to the social security office within 65 days of receiving your letter of rejection.
• Send your social security disability appeal documents by way of certified mail so that you can be certain of their delivery. This is important not only for appeal time frame purposes, but also to ensure that the vital information included in your letter of appeal does not get into the wrong hands.
• You may opt to hire a lawyer if you find the social security appeal process to be overwhelming. A good social security attorney can reduce the amount of time it takes for you to receive a decision, help you draft an effective appeal letter and provide assistance with completing and submitting the necessary forms.

Related Articles

• Get Help for Your Social Security Disability Claim or Appeal
• Win a Social Security Claim
• Get Social Security Disability
• Prepare for a Social Security Disability Hearing

Sources and Citations

• http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page10-51.html
• http://www.disabilitylawyers.com/resources/disability/disability-denials-appeals/writing-successful-disability-appeal-letter

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