If you’re denied Social Security Disability benefits,
Don’t give up. It’s heartbreaking when you know you cannot work but the government still denies your case. The process to appeal can be long and tedious, but success is often achieved by continuing to appeal.
Most people who apply are initially denied. At Makris Law Firm, we’ll do everything we can to help turn your denial into an approval.
There are four levels of appeal:
- Reconsideration – A review of the claim by someone who did not take part in the first decision. The original evidence is reviewed along with any new information you provide.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – For our area, these typically take place in the Houston Social Security Administration offices. Most cases are won at this level.
- Review by Appeals Council – If the ALJ denies your case, you may ask the Appeals Council to review that decision. The Appeals Council may return your case to the ALJ for a new hearing.
- Federal Court Review – If you disagree with the Appeals Council decision, you can file a lawsuit in Federal District Court. You must have an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court in Texas to represent you at this level!
At Makris Law Firm, we can help you at every stage of the appeals process.
If you were denied, it’s not the end, contact us to talk about your case.
Important – Once you’re denied benefits, the clock starts ticking. Don’t wait too long. You can miss the deadline to appeal!
Your hearing is often the most critical stage in your case. Your hearing before the Administrative Law Judge is your best chance to present evidence in person. It’s crucial you and the evidence be well prepared. If you have received a denial at the initial step, we strongly recommend you get legal help as soon as possible.
Makris Law Firm team will:
- analyze your Social Security claim
- prepare your case and set the strategy
- gather additional evidence from your doctors and medical providers
- prepare your testimony
- question witnesses
- cross-examine any medical and vocational experts who testify at your hearing
- appeal your case on the federal level if necessary
Social Security sometimes brings in expert medical and vocational witnesses to provide testimony. We know how to present evidence to maximize your chances and cross-examine the experts if necessary.
Most people win benefits with an experienced lawyer.
According to Social Security’s own statistics, people win benefits more often when they have representation than when they don’t. Since there are no legal fees if you don’t win benefits, the decision to get legal representation is an easy one. Our firm is the original Makris Law Firm led by Victor Makris. We’ve helped people in Texas for over 40 years.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your claim. Hablamos Español.