Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win
1-800-444-5309
A denial is not the end — it's the beginning of the real fight. The SSA denies the majority of first-time claims. Most cases are won on appeal, at the hearing level, with the right attorney. Pisanchyn Law fights denied SSDI and SSI claims across Pennsylvania.
60-Day Deadline: You must request reconsideration or appeal within 60 days of your denial notice. Call us now before that window closes.
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1-800-444-5309Why Denials Happen
The Social Security Administration denies the vast majority of first-time disability claims. It's not necessarily because you don't qualify — it's often because of how the claim was documented. Here's what every denied applicant needs to know.
The SSA's initial denial rate is extremely high. The process is designed with multiple levels of review, and statistically the hearing level before an Administrative Law Judge is where the majority of ultimately successful claims are approved. Don't give up after an initial denial.
The most common reason for denial is insufficient medical evidence — not because you're not disabled, but because your records don't adequately document the severity and limitations of your condition. We work with your doctors to build the record the SSA needs to approve your claim.
You have 60 days from the date of your denial notice to request the next level of appeal. Miss this deadline and you lose your filing date — meaning you forfeit all back pay that has accumulated since your onset date. Call us the day you receive a denial letter.
When a disability claim is approved on appeal, benefits are paid back to your established onset date — potentially years of accumulated payments. For many people this means tens of thousands of dollars in back pay in addition to ongoing monthly benefits.
The Appeal Process
The Social Security appeal process has four levels. We represent clients at every stage — wherever you are in the process right now, we can help.
The first appeal after an initial denial. A different SSA examiner reviews your claim. While reconsideration approval rates are low, filing timely is critical to preserve your appeal rights and filing date. Must be filed within 60 days of denial.
The most important stage — a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where most successful appeals are won. Having an experienced attorney represent you at this hearing dramatically increases your approval odds. We prepare you fully for what to expect.
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the SSA's Appeals Council. They review whether the ALJ made legal errors in deciding your case. We identify every error and build the strongest possible Appeals Council brief.
If the Appeals Council upholds the denial, we can file suit in federal district court. Federal court review focuses on whether the SSA followed the law correctly. We handle federal disability appeals across Pennsylvania.
SSI denials follow the same appeal process as SSDI. If you were denied SSI benefits based on disability, the same 60-day deadline and appeal levels apply. We handle both SSDI and SSI appeals.
If the SSA has stopped or reduced benefits you were already receiving — through a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) or other action — you have the right to appeal. Call us immediately if your benefits have been cut.
What You Can Win
A successful disability appeal isn't just about monthly benefits — it's about everything you've been missing and everything you'll need going forward.
Ongoing SSDI or SSI monthly payments based on your work history and earnings record — for as long as you remain disabled.
Benefits paid retroactively from your established disability onset date — potentially years of accumulated payments worth tens of thousands of dollars.
SSDI approval leads to Medicare eligibility after 24 months. SSI approval typically provides immediate Medicaid coverage — critical health insurance for people who can't work.
If you have minor children or a qualifying spouse, they may also be entitled to benefits based on your approved SSDI claim.
By appealing timely rather than re-filing from scratch, you preserve your original application date — protecting all back pay that has accumulated since you first applied.
For people who genuinely cannot work due to disability, an approved SSDI or SSI claim provides the financial foundation to manage medical care and daily living costs.
How It Works
Simple, clear, no jargon. Here's exactly what to expect when you call Pisanchyn Law about a denied disability claim.
We review your denial notice, your medical history and your work history. We identify exactly why you were denied and what the appeal strategy should be.
We file your reconsideration or hearing request immediately to protect your 60-day deadline and preserve your original filing date and all back pay.
We work with your doctors to obtain complete medical records and functional assessments that document exactly how your condition limits your ability to work.
We represent you at your ALJ hearing, challenge the vocational expert, and present the strongest possible case for approval. Our fee comes from your back pay — only if we win.
Client Results
Hear from Pennsylvania clients who were denied disability benefits and fought back with Pisanchyn Law.
"I was denied SSDI twice and was ready to give up. A friend told me to call Pisanchyn Law. They reviewed my case, rebuilt my medical file with my doctors, and represented me at my ALJ hearing. I was approved and received over two years of back pay. Don't give up after a denial."
"My SSI was denied because they said I could still do some kind of work. Pisanchyn Law challenged that finding at my hearing, brought documentation from my doctor about my limitations, and the judge approved my claim. I had no idea how to fight this — they handled everything."
"My disability benefits were stopped after a review even though my condition hadn't improved. Pisanchyn Law appealed immediately, kept my payments coming while the appeal was pending, and won. If you get any letter from Social Security that cuts your benefits, call them the same day."
Common Questions
Our Offices
We represent denied disability claimants across all of Pennsylvania from four convenient locations — or by phone if you can't travel.
524 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County
4th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
3609 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA
Every day after a denial letter brings you closer to losing your appeal rights and your back pay. Call Pisanchyn Law today — free consultation, no obligation, no fee unless we win.