Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can feel like a gut punch. You’re already dealing with a disability that keeps you from working, and now the agency you turned to for help is telling you no. It’s frustrating and discouraging, but here’s what you need to know: a denial doesn’t mean your case is over. The SSA denies most initial claims, but an initial denial doesn’t mean you can’t win your disability case. Many people ultimately receive benefits after filing a Social Security disability appeal.
For three decades, our experienced social security disability lawyers at McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy have guided people through SSDI appeals across South Carolina. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay us unless we win your case. Call 1-833-FILESSA to talk with our team today.
Why Your Claim May Have Been Denied
Before you request reconsideration, it helps to understand why the SSA denied your case. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: You didn’t provide enough medical evidence to prove your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This is one of the most frequent reasons for denial.
- Earning too much income: You must not earn at substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels. In 2026, SGA levels are $1,690 per month for non-blind claimants and $2,830 per month for blind claimants.
- Failure to follow treatment: You didn’t cooperate or didn’t adhere to the prescribed medical treatment.
- Technical errors on your application: Missing information, incomplete forms, or incorrect details can result in a denial even when you have a legitimate disability.
Understanding the specific reason for your denial is the first step toward building a stronger appeal. Your denial letter will explain why the SSA made its decision.
The Four Levels of the Social Security Disability Appeal Process
There are four levels to the appeals process for claims under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You must generally complete each level before moving to the next.
At each step, you have 60 days to file for further review. The clock starts the day you receive notice of the SSA’s decision, and the SSA usually assumes this is five days after the date of the letter. Missing this deadline can seriously hurt your case, so don’t wait.
Level 1: Reconsideration
A reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone who didn’t take part in the first decision. At this stage, the SSA will also consider any additional evidence you submit. This is your opportunity to provide updated medical records or other documentation that strengthens your case. The reconsideration is primarily a paper review, so you typically won’t appear in person.
Level 2: Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
Many Social Security disability claims are also denied at the reconsideration level. If that happens to you, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is widely considered the most important stage of the Social Security disability appeal process.
You may appear at the hearing by telephone or by online video. During the hearing process, the ALJ may question you and any of your witnesses. Expert witnesses, including medical and vocational experts, may also testify. The ALJ level typically has a much higher approval rate than the initial and reconsideration levels.
Level 3: Appeals Council review
If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may ask for a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council looks at all review requests, but it may deny a request if it believes the hearing decision was correct. If the Appeals Council decides to review your case, it will either decide your case itself or return it to an administrative law judge for further review.
Level 4: Federal court review
If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision or if the Appeals Council decides not to review your case, you may file a lawsuit in a federal district court. You may have had the help of a non-attorney representative at previous levels of appeal. At this stage, you want the help of an attorney to navigate this complex process. A disability attorney will file your civil action in the United States District Court, submit legal briefs, and make arguments in court.
How to Strengthen Your Case on Appeal
A denial isn’t the end but rather a chance to build a stronger case. Here are steps you can take to improve your chances.
Gather additional medical evidence. Lack of evidence is one of the most common reasons for denying a disability claim. Updated treatment records, test results, and imaging can make a significant difference.
Get detailed statements from your doctors. A well-written letter from your doctor can help overturn a denied Social Security disability claim. Your doctor’s letter about your limitations should be consistent with the medical records you provided. Ask your treating physician to describe specifically how your condition limits your ability to work.
Consider vocational assessments. A vocational assessment can demonstrate that your disability prevents you from performing not just your past work but any substantial gainful activity. This kind of evidence is particularly powerful at the ALJ hearing level.
Review your denial letter carefully. The determinations should explain the specific reasons why the DDS found you not disabled. Once you know why you were denied benefits, you can develop a plan of action.
Why Having an Attorney Matters
You can handle a Social Security disability appeal on your own, but the process is complex. Many people don’t consult an attorney when filing their initial Social Security disability claim. But appealing a denied claim is often more involved. Hiring a disability attorney can make a difference in the outcome.
Even if you didn’t hire an attorney for your initial SSDI claim, you should strongly consider getting an attorney on your side if you want to appeal a denial. This is especially true if you ask for an ALJ hearing, for which an attorney can prepare you.
An attorney who handles disability cases knows what evidence the ALJ needs to see, how to present your testimony effectively, and how to question vocational and medical witnesses. McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy has been representing South Carolina disability claimants since the mid-1990s. We understand the SSDI appeal process inside and out, and we approach every case with integrity and a commitment to doing right by our clients.
Most Social Security disability lawyers don’t charge upfront fees and instead collect their pay as a percentage of benefits recovered for a client. That means you don’t pay us unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SSDI Appeal Process
How long do I have to file an appeal after a denial?
You generally have 60 days from receiving an adverse decision at each level to file an appeal. The SSA assumes a denial letter will reach you within five days of the letter’s date. Don’t wait until the last minute. Call 1-833-FILESSA to get started right away.
What are my chances of winning on appeal?
The ALJ level typically has a much higher approval rate than the initial and reconsideration levels. Having an attorney by your side can further improve your chances. While every case is different and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, many people who are denied initially go on to receive benefits through the appeals process.
Does it cost anything to talk to an attorney?
McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy offers free consultations for Social Security disability cases. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you.
Don’t Give Up After a Denial
Many claims for Social Security disability benefits fail at the initial stage, only to be approved on appeal. If you receive an initial denial, don’t give up. The system is complex and frustrating, but a denial is just the first step in a longer process.
McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy serves clients from seven locations throughout South Carolina, Clinton, West Columbia, Greenwood, Anderson, Saluda, Greenville, and Spartanburg, so qualified help is never far away. We’ve dedicated our practice to standing up for people who need disability benefits, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Call 1-833-FILESSA today for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal burden while you concentrate on your well-being.
