You can apply for Social Security Disability an unlimited number of times. However, if your claim is denied, you may want to consider appealing the decision instead of completing a new application. A professional advocate or attorney who is experienced with Social Security and disability law may help you decide which approach is best for increasing your chances of getting the disability benefits you’re entitled to. If you’re an Indiana resident, here are some crucial points to keep in mind.
Retroactive benefits
The date you contact the Social Security Administration and make your intent to file for disability benefits known is referred to as your protective filing date. If your Social Security disability claim is approved, you may be entitled to overdue benefits and back pay for up to a year before your claim.
Your protective filing date will be enforced during the entire appeals process. If you file a new Social Security disability claim, you’ll receive a new protective date. This is why it’s often more beneficial to appeal instead of starting the application process over if you’re looking to receive back pay.
Your chances of success
The Social Security Administration turns down about two-thirds of disability claims due to medical reasons during the application phase. SSA statistics indicate that from 2010 to 2018, Social Security examiners approved about 36% of first-time disability applications. In this same time period, more than 50% of appealed cases reached the hearing phase before a judge, which resulted in applicants receiving the benefits they applied for.
If you decide to appeal, you may have a better chance of getting approved and receiving benefits. You should be aware of the requirements and deadlines at all times throughout the process.
