Social Security Disability Attorney in The Woodlands: What Constitutes Good Cause for Missing a Social Security Deadline?

Once you initiate the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits, it is imperative that you stay mindful of the various deadlines you need to meet and procedural hurdles you need to jump. As our experienced disability lawyer in The Woodlands will tell you, remaining organized and diligent is essential to obtaining benefits, particularly after an initial denial of benefits.

If you miss a deadline to appeal a Social Security determination but you desire to appeal, you will be required to establish good cause exists for your failure.

The Code of Federal Regulations identifies nine acceptable grounds for untimely action, including the following: (1) serious illness; (2) death in your immediate family; (3) loss or destruction of important records by fire or other accidental cause; (4) inability to obtain necessary information within the stated time period despite reasonable efforts; (5) you obtained clarification from the Social Security Administration on a particular issue and requested reconsideration or hearing within 60 days of receiving the information; (6) the Social Security Administration gave you incorrect or incomplete information regarding your appellate rights; (7) you did not receive notice of the determination or decision; (8) you made the good faith mistake of directing your request for reconsideration or appeal to the incorrect government office; or (9) other unusual or unavoidable circumstances occurred that establish good cause.

While it remains possible to obtain benefits after failing to file a timely appeal, given the burden of establishing good cause for your failure, it is advisable to commit to meeting all of the Social Security Administration’s deadlines. Never ignore communications you receive from the Social Security Administration. If you are unsure of the meaning of information the Social Security Administration sends you, consult experienced Social Security disability lawyer in The Woodlands, Dana Speer. She will be familiar with Social Security communications and the various deadlines associated with appeals.

If you need assistance appealing a denial of benefits, please contact our disability lawyer in The Woodlands, Dana Speer at 713-857-2123.

Dana Speer

713-857-2123 Direct Line
877-373-5105 Direct Fax