A Denial Isn't the End. It's a Stage.
Most Social Security disability claims are denied on the first application — and the appeals process exists precisely for that reason.
If your SSDI or SSI claim was denied in New Jersey, there is a defined path forward. But there is also a clock running. Understanding what comes next, and moving quickly, can make a big difference.
What Happens After a Social Security Disability Denial
The Social Security Administration doesn't issue a single decision and close the door. There are multiple levels of review — and the later stages, particularly the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, are where represented applicants have their strongest chance of success.
1. Initial Application Denial
Most first-time SSDI and SSI applications are denied, often because the SSA's initial review is largely a paper process. A denial at this stage doesn't mean your condition doesn't qualify — it means your case needs to be moved on to the next step. If you have not contacted a Social Security attorney yet, do it right away.
2. Reconsideration
This is the first formal appeal. You're asking the SSA to take another look at the same record, reviewed by a different examiner. Reconsideration denials are also common, but filing this step is required before you can advance to a hearing.
3. ALJ Hearing
This is the most important stage in the process. An Administrative Law Judge reviews your full medical and work history, hears testimony, and can ask vocational and medical experts to weigh in. This is the stage where having an attorney in the room matters most.
4. Appeals Council and Federal Court
If the ALJ denies your claim, further review is available through the Appeals Council and, if necessary, federal district court. Getting an attorney for steps 1–3 can help you avoid this step entirely.
The 60-Day Deadline You Cannot Miss
After a denial at any stage, you have 60 days to file your appeal. Miss that window, and you typically lose your right to appeal that decision. You may have to start over with a new application, losing any back pay tied to your original filing date. Re-filing rather than filing a timely appeal is rarely a good move.
If you've received a denial notice, the date on that letter starts the clock. Don't wait to figure out your next step. Make sure to bring that notice to your free consultation.
What an Attorney Does at Each Stage
Many applicants try to handle reconsideration on their own and only seek representation after a second denial. That can be done, but I urge you to see me as soon as you become disabled. Getting legal help earlier can strengthen the record before it reaches a judge.
Here's where I focus my work:
- Reviewing your denial to identify exactly why the SSA said no and what evidence would address it
- Gathering updated medical records, treatment notes, and physician statements that support your claim
- Preparing you for the ALJ hearing — what to expect, how to present your limitations, and how testimony is used
- Appearing with you at the hearing and examining vocational and medical experts on your behalf
- Managing every filing deadline so nothing procedural costs you the case
I've been representing disability claimants at the hearing level for more than four decades. I know how these hearings run, what ALJs are looking for, and how to present a claim that holds up under scrutiny.
Why Most SSDI Claims Are Denied — and Why That Doesn't Mean Yours Should Be
The SSA's initial review process is not designed to catch every valid claim. It relies heavily on what's already in the record, and it applies a strict definition of disability that doesn't always account for how conditions interact or how they affect a specific person's ability to work.
According to the SSA's own data, approximately 67% of initial SSDI applications are denied. At the reconsideration stage, denial rates remain high. The hearing level is where the approval rate improves significantly — and where the quality of your representation has a direct effect on the outcome.
Common Coverage Questions
Answers Designed To Keep You Protected
What do I do if my Social Security disability claim was denied in New Jersey?
Call me. A Request for Reconsideration must be filed within 60 days of the denial notice. This is the first required step in the appeals process. If reconsideration is also denied, we can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. I will handle your case at either stage, so you can concentrate on your medical treatment.How long does the SSDI appeals process take in New Jersey?
Reconsideration typically takes three to five months. If you proceed to an ALJ hearing, the wait for a hearing date can range from several months to over a year depending on the hearing office's schedule. Starting the process quickly keeps your timeline as short as possible.Can I still appeal if I missed the 60-day deadline?
In some cases, yes — the SSA allows for late filing if you can show "good cause" for the delay. This is not guaranteed, and the standard is applied case by case. If you've missed a deadline, contact me as soon as possible so we can assess your options before starting a new application.Do I need an attorney for an SSDI reconsideration, or only for the hearing?
You're not required to have an attorney at any stage, but I would not recommend going it alone in any circumstance. Representation improves outcomes at both reconsideration and the hearing level. At the hearing, in particular, having an attorney who can examine expert witnesses and present your medical evidence effectively is crucial. Taking an "appeal" after losing at the hearing level, while possible, increases the difficulty considerably.What does it cost to hire an attorney for an SSDI appeal?
I handle disability cases on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront. If I win your case, the fee is set by federal law — currently capped at 25% of past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $9,200 — and must be approved by the SSA. If you don't win, you owe me nothing.
What to Expect When You Call Me
Law office of WIlliam A. Sheehan
There is no fee for the initial consultation. I take disability cases on a contingency basis, which means I don't get paid unless you win — and any fee I receive is subject to SSA approval and federal limits.
When you contact me, I'll ask about your condition, your work history, and where you are in the process. From there, I can tell you plainly what your options are and what the next step should be.
If you've received a denial and aren't sure what it means for you, that's exactly the conversation I'm here to have.
