Social Security Appeals Council– New Statistics Released

If a McCroskey Law client is denied benefits at a Social Security hearing, we always discuss the possibility of an Appeals Council “Request for Review” with the client. While an Appeals Council filing is not always in a client’s best interest, there are times when a Social Security appeal should continue.

Recently, the Appeals Council released statistical data for 2013. Here are some interesting facts:

• The average processing time for a Social Security Appeals Council Request for Review was 364 days.
• The Request for Review was denied 76.87% of the time.
• Only 17% of these appeals were sent back for new hearings, due to errors in the previous decision.
• Approximately 1% of the Request for Reviews were awarded Social Security benefits directly from the Appeals Council.

These numbers confirm what we’ve been telling our clients at McCroskey Law.

A disabled person has a better chance, statistically, of winning at the hearing level. That makes it even more important that you have expert, local representation at your Social Security Disability or SSI hearing. And, if you are denied, you want your Social Security lawyer to have the knowledge and expertise to walk you through the challenging Appeals Council process.

McCroskey Law was founded in Michigan, and we only represent claimants in West and Mid-Michigan. We never hire non-attorney representatives. Our Social Security attorneys are well-trained in both the legal and medical issues that face Social Security claimants. We will get to know you and your case. And, we will not only fight for you, but help you understand an often complicated and confusing process.

At McCroskey Law, we are here for you. Contact us today.