What to do after a Disability Claim is Denied in California   An applicant for Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefits stands roughly a approved at the disability hearing. The difference? At the hearing level, a claimant can actually appear in person and meet the individual who will decide the outcome of their case (at a disbility hearing, an administrative law judge makes this decision). A claimant can also compose and present (either directly or via a disability lawyer) an argument as to why their Social Security Disability or SSI claim should be approved. The only thing is, an applicant for disability benefits in California will never have this opportunity if they do not take advantage of the social security administration's disability appeal process. Therefore, with regard to the question, "What do you do if your disability claim is denied?", a claimant should do the following: Immediately upon receiving notification that a disability benefit claim has been denied, a claimant should contact their local social security office and request an appeal. The social security administration will allow a claimant 60 days in which to request an appeal following a denial of a claim at any level of the process. However, an individual whose disability claim has been denied should, ideally, not wait more than a day to request an appeal, simply to avoid additional processing time. Requesting an appeal immediately after the arrival of a denial notice can allow a claimant to avoid a common mistake. What is that mistake? Filing a new disability application. Completing a new disability application instead of filing an appeal generally results in the same outcome: getting denied all over again, generally for the same reasons. To reiterate: after a disability claim is denied, request an appeal. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? 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