Offering Consultive Legal Services
We have the knowledge and resources to propose the right course of action for your particular situation. Whatever the case may require, you can count on us to stand with you every step of the way.
Social Security Appeal
Once Social Security decides a particular question, you may still be capable of changing the decision. A change of benefits can be started by either by Social Security itself, or at the request of an individual concerned with the decision. Social Security may consent to reopen a prior decision or benefit determination, and then proceed to revise that decision or determination.
Most Social Security decisions can be challenged through the usual system of administrative appeals if either the Social Security Administration or the individual files an appeal or action within 60 days of receiving notice of a decision. The granting of a request to reopen and revise is completely discretionary on the part of the Social Security Administration. The regulations do not require Social Security to revise a prior decision in any circumstances. In addition, a claimant has no protection against an arbitrary or irrational refusal to revise a prior decision by Social Security because a refusal to reopen and revise is itself not subject to the administrative review process or to judicial review in a federal court. Social Security law is a complex maze, with subtle twists and turns that may require a lawyer's skill. At this time in your life there is a lot at stake. Investment advisors describe elder income as ""irreplaceable money."" This means that you can't go out and earn more money, so you need to maximize what you already have. One other thing to remember is that until 1996, the Social Security Administration was within the Department of Health and Human Services. Some phone books may still list the Social Security Administration under that department, and some may list it under its own heading.
