Milwaukee, WI Social Security Disability Appeal Hearing Attorney

Lawyer For Denied Applications for SSI and SSDI Benefits in Milwaukee County and Waukesha County

A denial of your application for Social Security disability benefits is certainly discouraging, but it does not have to mean the end of your pursuit of benefits. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has a clearly defined appeals process that allows you to present your case for further review. For many people, the most important step in this process is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

Your hearing is your first opportunity to speak directly with a judge who has the power to issue a decision regarding your qualification for benefits, and as such, it is important that you make the most of it. The best way to do so is to come prepared with the guidance and representation of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Pearson is prepared to take your case at no upfront cost to you, and he will personally attend your hearing to advocate on your behalf.

Requesting a Social Security Disability Appeal Hearing

Once you have been notified that your initial application has been denied, we will work together to ensure that you understand the SSA's explanation, including the specific reasons for the denial. You may have been denied for medical reasons, such as insufficient evidence of the severity of your condition, or non-medical reasons, such as insufficient work history for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or an income that exceeds the limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Knowing which reasons apply to your case helps us determine the correct way to proceed.

In either case, you will usually first need to request a reconsideration, meaning that your case will undergo another complete review by a different reviewer. A reconsideration may be sufficient to obtain approval for benefits, especially if you have new evidence to submit or if you are more successful in cooperating with the SSA and the Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau (DDB). However, if your application is again denied after reconsideration, we will request a hearing within 60 days of receiving this new decision.

Preparing for a Successful Hearing

Upon receiving your request, the SSA will schedule your hearing and notify you of the date, location, and other important information. In the time leading up to your hearing, we will work together to review all evidence you have already submitted for review and identify any additional evidence that can strengthen your case. This may include medical source statements from health care professionals who have provided your treatment and assessed your condition or statements from anyone else who can speak credibly regarding the effects of your injuries on your work abilities. We will work together to submit all new evidence to the judge before your hearing, along with a pre-hearing brief that provides an overview of the important points in your case.

The hearing itself can take place via video conference, which is a convenient option not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but in any situation in which your condition makes it difficult to travel. Under normal circumstances, you can choose to request an in-person hearing instead, but this may delay the process due to scheduling complications. Whether your hearing is virtual or in person, Jonathan will be there with you to present your argument and evidence and to provide support as you answer the judge's questions and provide your own testimony. Jonathan can also question witnesses that the judge calls, including medical and vocational experts, to ensure that the judge has a complete picture of your condition and its effects on your work abilities.

After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the judge will issue a decision. If the judge approves your benefits, you can start receiving them soon after the hearing. If the judgment is not in your favor, Jonathan will advise you on other possible options, including taking your case before the Appeals Council or a federal district court.

Contact a Milwaukee Social Security Disability Lawyer for Your Hearing

Attorney Jonathan Pearson can assist with your appeal hearing, whether he has been working with you since the start of your application, or you are just now looking for legal representation. Contact us at 414-240-4801 for a free consultation to learn what Jonathan can do for you. We serve clients in Milwaukee, West Allis, Greenfield, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and throughout Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, and surrounding areas.