Spokane Social Security Claim Lawyer
Has your social security claim been denied? If you are unable to work because of a disability, but your claim for benefits has been denied, an experienced attorney can help. At the Spokane Valley Law Office of Gary R. Penar, we have been practicing in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho for over 30 years. We can guide you through the appeals process and make sure you get the disability benefits you deserve.
Get the SSD & SSI Benefits You Deserve
Contact the Law Office of Gary R. Penar
When you cannot work because you are disabled, you have to go to the Social Security Administration district office and file an application for benefits. The application process is very detailed. You will have to make a list of what is wrong with you and what activities you can and cannot do. You will also have to describe your previous employment and why you are no longer able to work.
Next, the Social Security Administration will gather your medical records and make their initial decision. One-third of people are approved after their first application, but that means two-thirds are denied.
If your social security claim has been denied, you still have options. People who have been denied SSDI or SSI benefits take their claim to the next level, known as "reconsideration". However, only 5 percent of these cases are approved after reconsideration. After a second denied social security claim, you will take your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ. At this stage, you must gather updates on all of your information and wait up to 18 months for a judgment. During that time, you will have to update your medical reports.
If the decision of the ALJ is not favorable, then you may appeal that decision to an Appeals Counsel, which will take between three months and 1 1/2 years. If the decision is still not favorable, the next step is filing a lawsuit in Federal Court in front of a federal judge.
This is a tough process to negotiate on your own, involving a lot of legal wrangling. We will guide you through every step of the process and make sure you do everything you can to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you have had a social security claim denied, you want to talk to an attorney and make sure you are doing everything you can to get help. Our Spokane law offices are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and we handle all cases on a contingency basis. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.