In a perfect world, obtaining disability benefits to ease financial stress would be a quick process. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world.

It takes anywhere from six to eight months from when you submit an initial application for the claim to be reviewed. If yours is one of the 62% of the applications denied benefits, you have 60 days to challenge it by requesting an appeal.

The appeals process has four levels:

· Reconsideration: Requesting reconsideration of the claim results in the file being assigned to an examiner who did not participate in the initial review of the claim.

· Hearing: An unfavorable reconsideration outcome may be appealed by requesting a hearing presided over by an administrative law judge. The disability appeal lawyer representing you at the hearing may submit new documentation and present witnesses to support the claim. You have the opportunity at a hearing to testify in response to questions about your claim asked by the administrative law judge.

· Appeals Council Review: A decision from the hearing level may be challenged by requesting review by the Appeals Council.

· Federal Court Review: A civil action filed on your behalf in a federal district court lets a federal judge review the claim and the evidence supporting it.

The appeals process starts with reconsideration and proceeds through each level. However, you can end the process at any level where you receive a favorable decision.

You have only 60 days from when you receive written notice of a decision to request an appeal, but be aware that the rules presume that you receive the notice 5 days from the date printed on it. Do not delay contacting a Social Security disability appeal lawyer at the Law Firm of Nikki L. Prasad, P.C. Missing the deadline to request an appeal could result in losing the right to challenge the decision.