Federal Court Appeals For Disability Claims
We understand your frustration and challenges when appealing a denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim in federal court. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the complex federal appeals process with clear strategies and dedicated support.
What Is Federal Court Review?
Federal court review is the final step in appealing a denied SSDI or SSI claim. After the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim through its internal appeals process, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court. This process involves a federal judge reviewing the SSA’s decision for legal or procedural errors, not reevaluating the facts of your disability. Federal court review becomes necessary when earlier appeals, such as reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), fail to overturn the denial, and you believe the SSA made a mistake in applying the law or procedures.
We clarify the role of federal court review with these key points:
- Federal courts focus on legal errors, such as the misapplication of SSA regulations.
- A judge may overturn the SSA’s decision, order a new hearing or approve benefits.
- This step requires precise legal arguments and strict adherence to court rules.
Understanding federal court review sets the stage for determining if your case qualifies for this process.
Criteria For Federal Court Review Eligibility
Not every denied disability claim qualifies for federal court review. To ensure your case is eligible, you must meet specific conditions. Our attorneys carefully assess your situation to confirm whether federal court is the right path for you.
Your case may qualify for federal court review if it meets these criteria:
- You exhausted all SSA appeal stages, including the Appeals Council review.
- The SSA’s decision contains legal or procedural errors, such as ignoring key evidence.
- You file the appeal within 60 days of receiving the Appeals Council’s denial notice.
Meeting these criteria allows us to proceed with filing your appeal. Next, we outline the filing process and timelines.
How To File A Federal Court Appeal
Our primary office in the Bronx, New York, is our federal court appeal services hub. Filing an appeal in federal court involves specific steps and strict deadlines. We handle the process to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal court requirements.
We follow these steps to file your appeal:
- We prepare a complaint outlining the SSA’s errors and file it in federal district court.
- We submit the complaint within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s denial notice.
- We gather your SSA file and additional evidence, such as medical records, to support the case.
- We draft a legal brief detailing the errors and advocating for a favorable ruling.
Timely and precise filing is critical to protect your rights. Now, we share how our firm’s experience strengthens your appeal.
Our Success Stories In Federal Court
Our attorneys have achieved significant results for clients in federal court appeals.* For example, we secured a remand for a client whose medical evidence was improperly dismissed by the SSA, leading to a new hearing and eventual benefits approval. In another case, we successfully argued that the ALJ misapplied SSA regulations, resulting in a federal judge awarding benefits directly. These outcomes reflect our dedication and skill in handling complex appeals.
*Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes, as each case is unique.
Our success stems from these strengths:
- We thoroughly analyze SSA files to uncover errors that strengthen your appeal.
- We craft compelling legal briefs tailored to federal court standards.
- We persistently ensure we address every detail of your case.
These achievements highlight why our team is well-equipped to handle your federal court appeal.
Why Choose Our Attorneys
Our secondary office in New Windsor, New York, supports our efforts to serve clients across the region. Our team of skilled lawyers brings extensive experience in disability law and federal court appeals. We stay updated on Social Security regulations and federal court procedures to provide informed representation.