Navigating the Social Security Disability Appeal Process

f you are following my story, you know that I hired a lawyer to help me apply for social security disability. After 18 months, I finally received a letter from the disability office denying my application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

I called my lawyers as soon as I read the letter. The lawyer explained that receiving a denial is normal for this process. It does not mean the end of the process; I am able to appeal. At this point, I felt like I could breathe, and there was still a chance.

What happens after an initial denial?

When a person applies for social security disability benefits, the case goes through several parts.

The first step is verification. A member of the Social Security Administration reviews the data in the case. During this time, the agency reviews all doctor and hospital visits. The intake person checks all information, such as the dates and places of medical visits.

Once verification is done, the entire file goes to a caseworker adjuster. The adjuster goes through all the paperwork and contacts the applicant for any and all updates. They may ask questions like, “Have you had any more visits to a doctor or emergency care? Have you had any new diagnosis?” Once you provide this information, it is documented and then shared with your lawyer.

A kind adjuster explains the process

The adjuster in my case is Leo, and he is very kind. He literally explained the steps to me. That is why I can now share them with you, my readers.

I actually feel bad for all the work put on the adjuster. He told me he handles hundreds of cases per year.

Redetermination comes before an appeal

Leo tells me that Social Security will be in touch when my redetermination is decided. I had just learned that you have to go through redetermination and fail before you can try for an appeal. At this point, I am awaiting news about my reconsideration.

So many papers have been filled out just to get this far. I am grateful that I do not have to be in charge of this. The size of this file with all my comorbidities must be huge.

I started this journey in June 2023. My disability developed after working in both medical settings and as a chef. My first denial was in September 2024, and now it is February 2025. While I appreciate the fact that all this takes time, the waiting is grueling. The average time it takes to go through the process is 18 months to 2 years.

Judicial review: The final step

My lawyer tells me that a main purpose of Social Security is to try to keep clients from being awarded disability by making the process difficult. This process is in place to help control the amount of people who are falsely applying for the benefits. This allows for the people who truly need the benefits to be awarded them.

If my redetermination is denied, my lawyers will appeal and ask for a judge to review my case. An official member of the court—and the first person not part of the Social Security Administration—will study my case and make a legal determination that I should be considered disabled. Having this declared by law would allow me to obtain benefits for income and other benefits like Medicare.

This is the full process. I hope this helps you to understand what an eye-opening situation it is. During this process, I have had to rely on help from my brothers and sister financially and also the government.