If you cannot work because you are too sick or you've been seriously injured, you're in a frightening situation. Unfortunately, this is even more true if your application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied.
Social Security Disability benefits are supposed to serve as a safety net and provide you with monthly income if you cannot work due to your health. Unfortunately, qualifying for benefits can be really hard. A Los Angeles disability benefits attorney can help you to take action if your benefits are denied.
What if You Don't Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The first thing to realize if your disability benefits application is denied is that most applications are not initially approved. You shouldn't assume a denial means you'll never qualify for benefits -- instead, you should appeal the benefits denial. There is a four step appeals process, and you can move through each step with help from an attorney.
If your benefits are still denied after a request for reconsideration; a hearing before an administrative law judge; a review by the appeals board; and a federal court review, then you are in a situation where getting Social Security benefits may be difficult or impossible. If this is the case, you'll need to determine why your application was denied and if there's any way to fix the issue.
If there isn't, then you'll need to explore other options for obtaining income, such as seeing if you are eligible for short-term disability benefits in California or if there are any other government programs that can help. A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can assist you with the process of exploring all your options for getting disability benefits if you are too sick to work, so contact an attorney today.