It is not over if you lose your Social Security Disability Case before the Administrative Law Judge.
You may appeal the decision to the Social Security Appeals Council.
The Appeals Council reviews the transcript and all the evidence, including written arguments. You do not testify before the Appeals Council.
The Appeals Council can take anywhere from 2 months to 1 year to review the appeal.
The Appeals Council has the option to uphold the Social Security Judge’s decision, reverse it, or remand your case for another hearing.
Most of the time the Appeals Council will agree with the Judge. Rarely will it overturn the Judge. They occasionally return your Social Security Disability case for more evidence.
You have the right to appeal to Federal Court, however, it is difficult to win these cases at the District Court level.
You may always file a new application for Social Security Disability benefits. It seems like Social Security will take a closer and more favorable look when a reapplication is filed.
Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.