Where can I get help appealing a Social Security denial?

Here are some tips for an SSI hearing from Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck:

• Make sure you understand what their arguments are; they should give you a position statement.
• You'll want to show medical documentation. If you can, demonstrate that your child meets the exact listings on the SSI website for the criteria for the diagnosis.

While Undivided has plenty of information about applying for SSI and maximizing your benefits, we cannot provide legal representation during an appeal hearing.

If you need help with your appeal, you can get assistance from the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR). Call 845-682-1881 for help finding an attorney or representative who can work with you to understand why your claim was denied and submit everything needed for your appeal.

Keep in mind that you should appeal the original SSI denial, not start the application over. For one thing, starting over prevents you from claiming retroactive benefits that your child might get if the appeal is successful. Second, and more importantly, if you get denied and don’t appeal, and then you re-apply, they’ll just go back to the original denial and say, “We already decided this, so that’s final.” To reapply, you have to prove that the applicant is more impacted by their disability now than when they applied before.