Free Social Security Disability Appeal Letter Templates & Samples (Word / PDF)

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A social security disability appeal letter is written when the Social Security Administration denied your application for Social Security Disability (SSD). SSD is a program that gives financial support to disabled people in order to prevent them from working.

Furthermore, the Social Security Administration determines who gets disability benefits because they rely on a strict definition of “disability.” If you can’t meet the criteria for the disability as defined by the Social Security Administration then your application for SSD is denied.

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Things to consider before writing the letter:

Here are the important factors that you must consider before writing an appeal letter to claim social security benefits;

Carefully read your decision notice

It can be daunting to appeal for social security benefits for disability through a letter. To have your case reconsidered, you must carefully read the denial notice so that you know what you have to do. Identify the rationale behind the denial first.

Moreover, to analyze your claim and justify denying your claim, you should look out for the following

Medical condition description
Impairments evaluated by the SSA
Medical sources
Non-medical sources

Understand the reason for the denial

Getting social security benefits for any disability that is rightfully yours is your main aim for writing the appeal letter. You must identify the main reason behind your denial to do this. You will have a good start on the SSD appeal letter by understanding the rationale behind your denial.

Support your arguments through documents

In order to support your case, you must make sure that you have all the relevant medical and non-medical records. Some of the documents you should include in your appeal letter are;

Medical test results
Diagnosis reports
Hospitalization records

When crafting an appeal letter for social security benefits to the SSA, you must keep a record of your disability/illness, condition, and treatment plans.

Call the Social Security Administration (SSA)

You can talk to the field office by using the agency’s number 1-800-772-1213 if you aren’t sure whether your claim meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria or if you don’t like to go through the online process.

Some tips for writing a strong appeal letter:

The below-mentioned tips help you to develop a strong appeal letter to claim social security benefits;

Stick to the point

You should stick to the facts and keep in mind that your letter shouldn’t be a memoir of your disability. Don’t include unnecessary details that are irrelevant to your disability claim. Pay attention to providing relevant information about your eligibility for disability benefits when it comes to explaining your details. You can specify that how it affects you physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Write in detail

The chances of your application rejection are higher if it lacks sufficient evidence. So, in the letter, elaborate on your information in detail. To become more detailed, provide more relevant evidence. It makes your case stronger and better and you obtain a positive response.

Be polite and professional

Keep in mind that an effective appeal letter should be professional, courteous, clear, precise, and easy to understand. Avoiding slang, abbreviations, or acronyms and formatting such as a formal business letter is the best way to present the appeal letter to claim social security benefits.

Get legal assistance

In case, you require the help of a lawyer then it is suggested that you get one from referrals by friends and relatives on disability. Additionally, you can also get help from your local bar association or local legal aid office. You also have to provide them with relevant details for help. Do a quick search online to find legal aid in your state.