Getting denied for Social Security Disability benefits can feel discouraging — but it’s not the end of the road. In fact, the majority of SSD claims are
denied at the initial level, and many are eventually
approved on appeal with the right legal help.
If you’ve received a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), here’s exactly what to do next — and how to improve your chances of winning your appeal in 2025.
Why Social Security Denies Disability Claims
Before we dive into the appeal process, it’s important to understand why SSA denies claims in the first place. Common reasons include:
- Not enough medical evidence
- Missing documents or forms
- Earning too much income
- SSA says your condition isn’t severe enough
- You didn’t follow prescribed treatment
- You didn’t meet work credit or income limits
Most denials aren’t personal — they’re based on
strict government criteria. That’s why working with a qualified
Social Security Disability lawyer can make all the difference.
The 4 Levels of the Social Security Disability Appeals Process
Once you receive a denial, you have
60 days to file an appeal. There are four possible stages of appeal:
1.
Reconsideration
You request SSA to re-review your claim. This is a paper review by someone who didn’t handle the first decision. At this stage,
only about 13% of cases are approved, but updated medical evidence can help.
2.
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. This is often the best opportunity to win — especially if you’re represented by a qualified
SSD hearing lawyer. In 2025,
about 45–55% of claims are approved at this stage.
3. Appeals Council
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the SSA Appeals Council to review the judge’s decision. They can:
- Approve your claim
- Deny it again
- Send it back for a second hearing
4.
Federal District Court Appeal
This is the final step. It involves filing a lawsuit against the SSA in federal court.
Crossroads Disability also handles these cases and can represent you in a federal SSD appeal — especially when all other steps have failed.
How Long Does an SSD Appeal Take in 2025?
- Reconsideration: 2–4 months
- ALJ Hearing: 8–16 months (depending on backlog in your area)
- Appeals Council: 6–12 months
- Federal Court Appeal: 12+ months
That’s why it’s critical to get the
appeal started right away and submit all the correct documentation upfront.
How to Strengthen Your Appeal (and Improve Your Odds)
Here’s how to boost your chances of winning at the appeal stage:
- Get updated medical records and treatment notes
- Include letters from doctors explaining your limitations
- Keep a journal about your daily challenges
- Avoid working too much (income cap still applies)
- Hire an
SSD appeal attorney to manage deadlines and arguments
Do I Need a Lawyer to Appeal My Social Security Disability Denial?
You’re not required to have a lawyer — but your chances of approval
go up significantly when you do. SSA’s own data shows that claimants with representation are far more likely to succeed.
At
Crossroads Disability, we:
- Handle all appeals from start to finish
- Represent you at your hearing or federal court
- Charge
no upfront fees
- Only get paid if you win
Denied Social Security Disability? Contact Us Today
If your SSD or SSI claim has been denied, don’t wait. The appeal deadlines are strict, and waiting too long can force you to start over.
Let Crossroads Disability help you fight back — and win.
- Free case evaluation
- We only get paid if you do
- We handle appeals nationwide
