Sacramento Social Security Federal Court Appeals Lawyer

The Social Security federal court appeals process can be a complex and challenging endeavor for someone whose Social Security Disability (SSD) claim has been denied at the administrative appeals levels. To navigate the federal appeals process and the federal court system in Sacramento, you will need a talented Sacramento Social Security federal appeals lawyer. An experienced attorney will have a thorough understanding of the intricate legal aspects of your federal disability case.

Walker Disability is one of the only Social Security law firms you will find where the same dedicated attorney can handle your disability case from the initial application all the way through the United States Circuit Court of Appeals, as called for. Jared Walker has extensive litigation experience, including with federal court appeals against the Social Security Administration. We routinely obtain reversals of Social Security’s wrongful denials of our clients’ disability benefits.

Meeting Social Security Disability Requirements

To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Sacramento, CA, you must meet several requirements for each program. For both, you’ll have to fulfill the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability definition or have a disability that is on their list of qualifying impairments.

The SSA considers someone disabled if they have a mental or physical impairment that makes them unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA), has lasted or will last for at least a year, or is expected to result in death.

• In addition to the disability requirement, if you are seeking SSI benefits, you must:
  • Have very little or no resources, which are things you own that can be turned into cash and used for housing and food.
  • Have very little or no income, including work wages and money you receive from family, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and other sources of support.
  • Be a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible non-citizen and reside in Sacramento lawfully.

• If you are seeking SSDI benefits, you must:
  • Have a specific amount of work credits earned from working throughout your lifetime. Some of those work credits must be from working in recent years.
  • Have paid Social Security taxes on all of your earned income from work.

Meeting the requirements for these disability programs is the true first step in the disability application process. If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for the program you are applying for but are still denied benefits, there may be another reason for the denial.

Understanding the Social Security Disability Appeals Process

You have the right to appeal most decisions and determinations that the SSA makes about your Social Security Disability benefits. If your initial application for benefits is denied, you can appeal the decision. If your current benefit amount is changed and you don’t agree with the change, you can appeal that decision as well. There are different administrative stages in the SSA appeals process before you get to the federal court level:

1. Request for Reconsideration – Requesting a reconsideration is the first level of the appeals process. Once you receive your initial decision or determination letter, you have a limited amount of time to file the request and have your claim reviewed by a different SSA representative. To further support your claim for benefits, you can submit additional evidence for the review.
2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – An ALJ hearing is the next appeal level. If the reconsideration decision is not one you agree with, you can request a hearing to have your claim evaluated by a judge. At this stage, you have the opportunity to effectively present your case in person, answer questions, and submit more evidence. If you can’t or don’t want to represent yourself during the hearing, a lawyer can.
3. Review by Appeals Council – If your claim is denied by the ALJ, you can request to have the decision reviewed by the Appeals Council. The Council can review your case, and if your request is granted, they will either make a decision or remand the case back to a judge. You can submit further evidence at this stage as well.

Following the proper steps in the appeals process ensures your disability case is given appropriate consideration at each administrative level before pursuing further action. At any stage, you can have a lawyer present to advise and guide you. It is crucial that you submit any additional or new evidence that would make a difference in the outcome of your appeal.

Social Security Federal Court Appeals

Having your disability case reviewed in federal court is the final level of appeal. If the Appeals Council’s action is not the decision you wanted, you can file an action with the U.S. District Court in Sacramento or another district where you reside. The federal court system has a unique set of rules and procedures that require close attention to detail. To begin, you must file a complaint that details the legal basis for your case and why you believe the SSA’s decision regarding your disability was incorrect.

You will likely have to go through the usual stages of the federal court process before presenting your case to a federal district court judge with every piece of evidence to prove your eligibility. The entire process can be fairly time-consuming and require significant effort. At this level, having a federal court appeals lawyer is particularly vital. Jared Walker has a history of success in having disability claims approved at this level and disability denials reversed.

Mistakes to Avoid During the Appeals Process

The SSD appeals process can be incredibly difficult, and even small mistakes can be made at any point, potentially harming your claim. You should approach the process with organization and diligence. Be sure to be proactive, pay close attention to details, and make it a priority to avoid the following mistakes during the appeals process:

• Missing Appeal Deadlines – You have a specific amount of time to file an appeal once you get your initial decision and after receiving a decision from each appeal level. You must be aware of the timeframes and make sure the required forms and documents are submitted on time. Otherwise, you risk having your appeal dismissed. If you have a good reason for missing the deadline, you must submit a good cause for filing late with the SSA.
• Failing to Submit Additional Evidence – Appealing a decision gives you the opportunity to provide additional evidence in support of your claim. You should take the chance to submit any new evidence, relevant documents, and professional opinions that would strengthen your case and get you approved for benefits.
• Not Having Legal Representation – While it is possible to go through the appeals process without an SSD lawyer, it is not advisable, especially at the federal court review level. A lawyer can be your biggest advocate and support system, helping you prepare for every possibility and giving your case a significant advantage during this time.
• Missing Scheduled Hearings – If you miss a hearing, you can potentially lose out on your benefits and your rights to an appeal. If you are unable to attend a hearing, you must inform the hearing office that you can’t make it as soon as possible before the hearing date. You may also be able to request a postponement.
• Failing to Prepare for the Hearing – As you await your hearing date, you should take every opportunity to prepare for it. Review your case and be prepared to answer questions. You do not want to go into an appeal hearing ill-equipped and risk an unsuccessful outcome.

These simple mistakes can have significant consequences for your Social Security Disability case. To achieve a more favorable result, take the time to understand the appeals process, diligently prepare for your appeal, and seek the assistance of a legal professional who can ensure your case is presented in an effective manner.

Building a Strong Case for Your Appeal

Building a strong case for your SSD appeal is essential for securing the benefits you need and deserve. At Walker Disability Law, we understand that a well-structured appeal is key, and we are prepared to craft a solid case that demonstrates your eligibility for disability benefits. Here are a few key things we can do to make your case for appeal stronger:

• Gather Medical Evidence – We can help you gather additional medical records that are relevant to your disability and your case. This can include test results, doctor’s notes, opinions from a medical professional, and documented proof of consistent treatment. Such proof can support your claim and make a difference in your case.
• Obtain Expert Opinions – If necessary, we can potentially consult with medical or vocational professionals to give further insight into your condition and how it impacts your ability to work or perform other basic tasks.
• Document Your Limitations – We can help you provide thorough documentation showing how your disability has affected and continues to affect your functional abilities and your ability to do substantial work.
• Craft a Convincing Argument – It is very important to develop a compelling argument explaining why you meet the definition of disability set by the SSA and why you are entitled to disability benefits. As your legal representation, we can make sure our argument is persuasive enough to secure your benefits.

At Walker Disability Law, we are confident that we can build the strongest possible case for your SSI or SSDI appeal. With our commitment to your success, you can trust in our ability to fight tirelessly for you and your rights.

Trust Walker Disability Law: Your SSD Federal Court Appeals Lawyer

Do not waste your last chance at the disability benefits you need by hiring another attorney in a large national mill who will not even work on your case. Get an experienced Social Security law expert on your side who will personally dedicate themselves to winning your case. Contact Walker Disability Law now, before it is too late.