Yes, you can appeal a denied SSDI claim in Georgia through a four-step administrative review process, which is the path most successful applicants take. You have a strict 60-day deadline from the date of denial to file a Request for Reconsideration, which is the first, but statistically toughest, appeal stage. If denied again, the next and most critical step is requesting a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where approval rates significantly increase. While the ALJ hearing offers your best chance of approval, the wait time for it in Georgia can often exceed one year due to backlogs. Ultimately, retaining an experienced Social Security disability lawyer is strongly recommended, as legal representation greatly improves your odds of winning your appeal.
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1. Can You Appeal a Denied SSDI Claim in Georgia?
Yes, you can appeal if your SSDI claim is denied in Georgia. The appeal process involves multiple steps:
- Request for Reconsideration: If denied, you can ask for a review of your claim.
- Hearing with an ALJ: If reconsideration fails, you can appeal to an Administrative Law Judge.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies, the Appeals Council can take a second look.
- Federal Court: As a final step, you can challenge the decision in court.
2. How Long Does Each Stage of the SSDI Process Take?
- Initial Application: 6 to 12 months.
- Reconsideration: 3 to 6 months.
- ALJ Hearing: 12 to 24 months.
- Appeals Council & Federal Court: 6 to 12 months or longer.
3. What Factors Impact the Speed of SSDI Processing?
- Medical Records: Delays from healthcare providers can hold up the process.
- Consultative Examinations: Additional exams requested by the DDS can extend the wait.
- Compassionate Allowances: Serious medical conditions may fast-track approval.
- Claim Backlog: A high volume of cases in Georgia leads to delays.
4. What Happens After Your SSDI Claim is Approved?
- Five-Month Waiting Period: There’s a five-month waiting period before benefits are issued.
- First Payment: Issued for the sixth month of your disability.
- Back Pay: You’ll receive a lump sum for months between the onset of disability and approval.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
If your SSDI claim has been denied in Georgia, the skilled team at Hogan Smith can help you navigate the appeal process and maximize your chances of approval.

- Review the Reason for Denial: We start by thoroughly examining the denial notice to understand the specific reason your claim was rejected. Whether it’s due to insufficient medical evidence, work credits, or another issue, understanding the cause is the first step in building a stronger appeal.
- Gather New and Additional Evidence: Our team works with you to obtain the critical medical documentation and expert opinions that can strengthen your case. This could include updated doctor’s notes, test results, or evaluations that better highlight the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
- File Your Appeal Within the Time Limit: We ensure that your appeal is filed within the 60-day window after receiving your denial notice. Missing this deadline could mean starting the entire process over, so timely action is crucial to keep your claim moving forward.
- Prepare for the Appeals Process: From reconsideration to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), we guide you through each stage of the appeals process. Our team ensures that all necessary documentation is in order and prepares you for what to expect, improving your odds of a successful outcome.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’ve had your SSDI claim denied in Georgia, you can appeal the decision through a structured process. The first step is understanding why your claim was denied, as common reasons include insufficient medical evidence or failure to meet the required work credits. The appeal process can take several months, and it’s critical to act quickly since you only have 60 days from the date of denial to file your appeal. The chances of approval improve significantly when additional documentation and medical records are submitted to support your claim. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options for appealing the denial!
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