Probably the most imporant, and most equitable, aspect of the social security administration's disability programs is the fact that claimants who have been denied are afforded the opportunity to file appeals. The appeal system for social security disability and SSI claims is actually quite simple and easy to navigate. What makes filing appeals in this system problematic, however, is the fact that the appeal process can literally take years, from beginning to end. For this reason, especially, a claimant who is scheduled to appear at a disability hearing should give strong consideration to finding representation in the form of an experienced lawyer or nonattorney representative. The disability hearing, in fact, is the one stage of the appeals process in which a claimant can actually meet and speak with the individual making the decision on their claim (the administrative law judge).
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