How to appeal a disability decision in Minnesota?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/30/2025
Receiving a denial for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim can be disheartening—but don’t give up. Most initial disability claims are denied, and appealing the decision is often a necessary step in the process. If you're in Minnesota and believe your denial was incorrect, here's a step-by-step guide on how to appeal a disability decision effectively.
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Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied
Before filing an appeal, review the denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This letter will explain:
- The medical or technical reasons for the denial
- Any missing or insufficient evidence
- Your deadline to file an appeal (usually 60 days from the date of the denial notice)
Knowing the reason behind your denial helps you prepare a more focused and stronger appeal.
Step 1: Request for Reconsideration
The first level of appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration. This involves a complete review of your claim by a different SSA reviewer who was not involved in the original decision.
How to file:
- Online: Visit ssa.gov and submit your request.
- By mail or in person: Complete Form SSA-561 and submit it to your local SSA office.
Tip: Submit any new medical evidence or updates that strengthen your case.
Step 2: Request a Disability Hearing
If your reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
What to expect:
- The judge will review your case in-depth.
- You may testify, submit new evidence, and have witnesses (such as medical experts).
- The hearing can be held in person, by video, or by phone.
This is a critical stage where having well-organized documentation and a clear explanation of how your condition limits your ability to work can make a major difference.
Step 3: Appeals Council Review
If the judge rules against you, you can request a review from the Social Security Appeals Council.
- They may agree to review your case, deny the request, or send it back to the ALJ for another hearing.
- The Appeals Council typically focuses on whether the ALJ made a legal or procedural error.
Step 4: Federal Court Review
If all administrative appeals are exhausted, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court. This is a more formal legal proceeding and may require assistance from an attorney.
Tips to Strengthen Your Appeal
- Update your medical records with any new diagnoses or treatments
- Get detailed letters from your doctors explaining your limitations
- Be honest and thorough in explaining how your disability affects your daily life
- Keep track of deadlines—missing one could end your appeal rights
- Stay persistent—many claims are approved during the hearing stage
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Appealing a disability denial in Minnesota can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Hogan Smith can:
- Review your denial letter and identify what went wrong
- Help gather and present new medical evidence
- Prepare you for the disability hearing
- Represent you before the Administrative Law Judge
- Increase your chances of success at every stage of the appeal
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’ve been denied SSDI or SSI benefits in Minnesota, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you take the right steps toward securing the benefits you deserve.
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