SSDI Attorney Guide: Appeals in Michigan, Michigan

SSDI Attorney Guide: What to Do After a Denial in Michigan, Michigan

If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application was denied in Michigan, Michigan, you are not alone—and you are not out of options. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a structured, multi-level appeals process governed by federal law. With timely action and well-organized evidence, many claimants ultimately win benefits on appeal. This guide explains, in clear and strictly factual terms, how Michigan residents can navigate a denial, the deadlines that apply, and the federal standards that decide claims. It takes a claimant-protective view while remaining grounded in the SSA’s rules and regulations.

All SSDI cases, regardless of state, are decided under federal law. But local context still matters. Michigan claimants file and appeal through SSA’s national systems and local field offices serving communities across the state, including the Detroit metro area, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and beyond. You can handle much of the process online or by phone, and you can request hearings in person or by video, depending on SSA’s scheduling and your preferences. This article will point you to the SSA’s official appeals resources, describe the federal regulations that control every step, and outline practical actions you can take right now to strengthen your case.

Key points up front:

• You generally have 60 days from receipt of a decision to appeal to the next level (SSA presumes you receive the notice 5 days after the date on it). See 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1) and 20 CFR 404.901 (mailing presumption).
• The SSDI standard is federal and applies equally in Michigan, Michigan. The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation to decide disability. See 20 CFR 404.1520.
• You have the right to representation, including by a licensed Michigan attorney or a qualified representative approved under SSA rules. See 20 CFR 404.1700–404.1799.
• If needed, you can ultimately take your case to federal court within 60 days after the Appeals Council’s final action. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 CFR 422.210.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive walkthrough of your rights, why claims get denied, how to appeal, and how a Michigan disability attorney can help with the “SSDI denial appeal michigan michigan” process.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI is a federal insurance program for workers who can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. To qualify, you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. The SSA’s rules for Title II disability (SSDI) are located in 20 CFR part 404. Core eligibility concepts include:

• Insured status: You must have worked long enough and recently enough in covered employment to be “insured” for SSDI. See 20 CFR 404.101–404.140. If you stop working, your “date last insured” matters. SSA evaluates whether you became disabled on or before that date.
• Definition of disability: For adults, disability means the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. See 20 CFR 404.1505(a).
• Medical evidence: SSA relies on medical evidence from acceptable medical sources (e.g., physicians, psychologists) to establish impairments. See 20 CFR 404.1502 and 20 CFR 404.1513.
• Five-step sequential evaluation: SSA decides your case using the steps in 20 CFR 404.1520: (1) Are you doing SGA? (2) Do you have a severe impairment? (3) Does your impairment meet or equal a listing in Appendix 1 of Subpart P? (4) Can you perform past relevant work? (5) Can you perform other work in the national economy considering your residual functional capacity (RFC), age, education, and work experience?

Claimants in Michigan, Michigan have the same rights as claimants anywhere in the U.S. Those rights include:

• The right to appeal: Timely appeal is critical. You typically have 60 days from receiving the notice to appeal to the next level. See 20 CFR 404.909 (reconsideration), 20 CFR 404.929 (hearing), 20 CFR 404.967–404.981 (Appeals Council), and 20 CFR 422.210 (federal court).
• The right to submit evidence: You can submit medical and non-medical evidence at each level, subject to rules on timeliness and good cause. See 20 CFR 404.935 (evidence at hearings) and 20 CFR 404.1512 (duty to submit evidence).
• The right to representation: You may appoint a representative to help with forms, evidence, and hearings. See 20 CFR 404.1700 et seq.
• Due process protections: You are entitled to notice and an opportunity to respond or be heard before adverse determinations, and your decision must be supported by substantial evidence based on the record.

Understanding these rights helps you approach the “SSDI appeals” process with confidence. Many initial denials are overturned later when the record is clarified, expanded, or properly evaluated under the regulations.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Denials are frustrating, but they often point to fixable issues. The most frequent reasons SSA denies SSDI applications include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: The file may not contain enough objective findings (imaging, labs, clinical exams) from acceptable medical sources to establish a medically determinable impairment or to support the asserted limitations. See 20 CFR 404.1502 and 404.1513.
• Failure to meet duration requirement: The impairment might not be documented as lasting (or expected to last) at least 12 months, as required by 20 CFR 404.1509.
• Working over SGA level: If you perform substantial gainful activity, SSA generally will find you not disabled at Step 1 of the sequential evaluation. See 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(i). SSA publishes SGA amounts annually; check the current thresholds on SSA’s site rather than relying on old figures.
• Listings not met or equaled: At Step 3, SSA determines whether your impairment meets or medically equals a Listing in Appendix 1 of Subpart P. If not, the claim proceeds to RFC assessment at Steps 4 and 5. See 20 CFR 404.1520(d) and 20 CFR part 404, subpart P, appendix 1.
• Residual functional capacity (RFC) not disabling: SSA may conclude that despite impairments, your RFC allows you to perform past relevant work (Step 4) or other work in the national economy (Step 5). See 20 CFR 404.1545 (RFC), 20 CFR 404.1560–404.1569a (vocational rules), and Appendix 2 (the “grids”).
• Limited treatment history or non-compliance: Gaps in care, missed appointments, or lack of specialty referrals can undermine the record. Good reasons may exist—such as access issues or side effects—but they should be documented.
• Credibility (symptom) evaluation issues: SSA considers consistency between your statements and the evidence as a whole when assessing the intensity and persistence of symptoms. See 20 CFR 404.1529.
• Adverse medical opinion evidence: Under 20 CFR 404.1520c, ALJs evaluate medical opinions based on supportability and consistency. Unfavorable opinions from examining or reviewing sources can lead to denials unless rebutted or contextualized with stronger evidence.
• Technical non-eligibility: For example, insufficient work credits or losing insured status before the alleged onset date.

The good news for Michigan claimants is that these issues can often be addressed on appeal by supplementing the record and pointing the decision-maker to the controlling regulations and evidence.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations That Control SSDI

SSDI appeals are governed by the Social Security Act and regulations in Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). For Michigan, Michigan residents, these federal rules control every step regardless of where you live.

• Appeals structure: The levels are reconsideration; hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ); Appeals Council review; and federal court. See 20 CFR 404.900(a).
• Time to appeal: Generally 60 days from receipt of the notice (with a 5-day mailing presumption). See 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1) and 20 CFR 404.901. Good cause for late filing may be granted. See 20 CFR 404.911.
• Right to a hearing: You may request an ALJ hearing after a reconsideration denial. See 20 CFR 404.929. SSA will notify you of the time and place of the hearing. See 20 CFR 404.936 and 404.938.
• Appeals Council: You may ask the Appeals Council to review an ALJ decision. See 20 CFR 404.967–404.981. The Council may deny review, remand, or issue a decision.
• Federal court: After the Appeals Council’s action (or if it declines review), you can file a civil action in federal district court within 60 days. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 CFR 422.210.
• Evidence and medical opinions: Acceptable medical sources and opinion evaluation standards are found at 20 CFR 404.1502, 404.1513, and 404.1520c. Supportability and consistency are the most important factors for weighing opinions under 404.1520c(a).
• RFC and vocational issues: RFC is assessed under 20 CFR 404.1545. Past relevant work is considered at 20 CFR 404.1560(b), and other work at Step 5 is considered under 20 CFR 404.1560(c). Vocational experts and other evidence of jobs can be used. See 20 CFR 404.1566.
• Combination of impairments: SSA must consider the combined effect of all medically determinable impairments. See 20 CFR 404.1523.
• Reopening: A final determination or decision may be reopened within 12 months for any reason and within four years for good cause (for Title II cases), among other circumstances. See 20 CFR 404.988.
• Representative rules and fees: Representation is governed by 20 CFR 404.1700–404.1799 and 42 U.S.C. § 406 (fees require SSA approval).

These core protections apply equally in every state and are the legal backbone of any “SSDI denial appeal michigan michigan.” Citing them, and building your appeal around them, strengthens your advocacy.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

Move promptly. Missing a deadline can force you to start over and may cost you benefits. Here is a step-by-step plan for Michigan, Michigan claimants after a denial:

• Read the denial letter closely. Identify whether you were denied at the initial or reconsideration level and note the date on the notice. The 60-day appeal window runs from when you are deemed to have received the notice (SSA presumes 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show otherwise). See 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1) and 20 CFR 404.901.
• File your appeal online or through your local SSA office. For an initial denial, request reconsideration. For a reconsideration denial, request an ALJ hearing. See 20 CFR 404.909 (reconsideration) and 20 CFR 404.929 (hearing). The SSA’s online appeals portal is available and is the fastest route for many claimants.
• Strengthen the medical record. Work with your treating providers to obtain detailed treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and functional assessments that speak to your work-related limitations. Under 20 CFR 404.1513(a)(2), detailed medical opinions about functional abilities can be crucial. Evidence showing the longitudinal course of your condition helps satisfy the 12-month duration requirement (20 CFR 404.1509).
• Address RFC and symptom consistency. SSA evaluates symptom intensity and persistence under 20 CFR 404.1529 and determines your RFC under 20 CFR 404.1545. Submitting a clear, consistent account of your daily limitations, corroborated by objective findings and third-party statements when available, can be decisive.
• Document work history carefully. SSA compares your RFC to past relevant work at Step 4 (20 CFR 404.1560(b)) and considers other work at Step 5 (20 CFR 404.1560(c)). Provide accurate job titles, duties, exertional levels, and skill requirements for the last 15 years where applicable.
• Prepare for the ALJ hearing. If your case reaches the hearing stage, you will receive a notice of hearing time and place. See 20 CFR 404.936, 404.938. You may appear in person, by video, or in some instances by telephone, depending on SSA’s procedures and your circumstances. Aim to submit all evidence early and explain any late submissions with good cause (see 20 CFR 404.935).
• Consider representative assistance. A representative can ensure your case theory aligns with the regulations and can cross-examine vocational or medical experts at hearing. See 20 CFR 404.1700–404.1707.
• Appeals Council and federal court, if needed. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request Appeals Council review (20 CFR 404.967). If the Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file in federal court within 60 days per 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 CFR 422.210(c).

If you miss a deadline, do not give up without checking whether you have “good cause” for late filing under 20 CFR 404.911 (for example, serious illness, misunderstanding of the notice due to a language barrier, or other circumstances beyond your control). SSA can extend deadlines when good cause exists.

When and Why SSA Denials in Michigan Can Be Overturned

Many Michigan, Michigan cases are won at the ALJ hearing stage because that is where the record is most complete and where decision-makers can hear your testimony directly. Here are candidate issues that often lead to reversals or remands when properly developed:

• New and material evidence: Updated imaging, longitudinal treatment notes, or specialty evaluations can change the disability picture.
• Clarification of onset and insured status: Aligning the medical timeline with your date last insured can solve a technical denial problem.
• Vocational analysis corrections: Misclassification of past relevant work or misunderstanding of transferable skills can be corrected with detailed job evidence and vocational cross-examination. See 20 CFR 404.1560–404.1568.
• Proper evaluation of medical opinions: Under 20 CFR 404.1520c, ALJs must explain how supportability and consistency justify the weight given to each opinion. Pointing out overlooked support or inconsistencies can be persuasive.

How the Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Works (20 CFR 404.1520)

This framework controls every adult SSDI case, including those in Michigan, Michigan:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Are you performing SGA? If yes, not disabled. If no, proceed. See 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(i).
• Step 2: Severe Impairment Do you have a severe medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities and meets the duration requirement? See 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) and 20 CFR 404.1509.
• Step 3: Listings Does your impairment meet or medically equal a listing in Appendix 1? See 20 CFR 404.1520(d) and Appendix 1 to Subpart P.
• Step 4: Past Relevant Work Considering your RFC, can you still do your past relevant work? If yes, not disabled. If no, proceed. See 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) and 20 CFR 404.1560(b).
• Step 5: Other Work Can you adjust to other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy, given your RFC, age, education, and work experience? If yes, not disabled; if no, disabled. See 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(v) and 20 CFR 404.1560(c). Vocational evidence is considered under 20 CFR 404.1566.

Your appeal should be organized so that the ALJ (or reviewer) can follow these steps and find the necessary evidence at each point.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations: Key Citations for Your Appeal

In addition to the regulations above, the following citations commonly apply in SSDI appeals:

• Appeal process overview: 20 CFR 404.900–404.999.
• Reconsideration time limits: 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1).
• Hearing rights and notices: 20 CFR 404.929, 404.936, 404.938.
• Appeals Council review: 20 CFR 404.967–404.981.
• Judicial review: 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); 20 CFR 422.210.
• Good cause for late filing: 20 CFR 404.911.
• Evidence submission duties: 20 CFR 404.1512 and 404.935.
• RFC assessment: 20 CFR 404.1545.
• Vocational rules and grids: 20 CFR 404.1560–404.1569a; Appendix 2 to Subpart P.
• Medical opinions and prior administrative findings: 20 CFR 404.1520c.
• Dismissals and res judicata: 20 CFR 404.957.
• Reopening: 20 CFR 404.988.

Citing these authorities in your written appeal or hearing brief shows the decision-maker exactly how your evidence meets the federal standard.

Practical Checklist After an SSDI Denial in Michigan, Michigan

• Mark your deadline: Calculate 60 days from when you received the denial (SSA presumes 5 days after the date on the letter). File the appeal as early as possible.
• Update your medical file: Obtain treating source records, imaging, labs, therapy notes, and medication histories since the last decision. Ask your providers for functional statements addressing sitting, standing, lifting, concentration, attendance, and off-task time.
• Explain any treatment gaps: If cost, access, or side effects affected care, document that. Consistency with 20 CFR 404.1529 considerations can be important.
• Detail your work history: Provide accurate job descriptions for the last 15 years (if applicable) so SSA can properly classify your past work.
• Confirm insured status: If relevant, verify your date last insured and align medical evidence to show disability on or before that date.
• Consider representative help: A representative can apply 20 CFR 404.1520c supportability/consistency analysis to medical opinions and prepare you for vocational testimony.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you are allowed to represent yourself at every stage, many claimants in Michigan, Michigan benefit from engaging a representative after the first denial. Representation is expressly permitted under SSA rules. See 20 CFR 404.1700–404.1707. A knowledgeable representative or a Michigan disability attorney can:

• Review the denial and identify regulatory issues (e.g., misapplication of 20 CFR 404.1520 or improper weighing of medical opinions under 20 CFR 404.1520c).
• Gather and submit targeted evidence that directly addresses RFC and vocational findings.
• Prepare you for testimony and cross-examine vocational or medical experts at hearing in line with 20 CFR 404.1566.
• Draft written briefs citing 20 CFR and the Social Security Act to frame your case clearly for the ALJ or Appeals Council.

Attorney licensing and forum considerations in Michigan, Michigan: Only lawyers admitted to practice in Michigan may provide legal services under Michigan law. SSDI representation before SSA is governed by federal rules that also permit qualified non-attorney representatives (20 CFR 404.1705). However, if your case proceeds to federal court, filings must be made by an attorney admitted to practice before that federal court (see 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and local federal court admission rules). For SSA-approved representative fees, see 42 U.S.C. § 406 and 20 CFR 404.1720–404.1730.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Michigan, Michigan Claimants

Although SSDI is federal, you will interact with SSA through local field offices and, if needed, a hearing location designated in your Notice of Hearing. Michigan residents can manage most steps online, by phone, or in person at an SSA office.

• Find your local SSA office in Michigan: Use the SSA Office Locator to identify the nearest field office serving your city or county. Offices serve communities across Michigan, including the Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and other areas. Check hours and procedures before visiting.
• File and track appeals online: Many Michigan claimants find it quicker to file reconsiderations and hearing requests through SSA’s online portal. Keep copies of confirmation pages.
• Hearing scheduling in Michigan: Your Notice of Hearing will state whether the appearance is in person or by video and will explain how to submit additional evidence. See 20 CFR 404.936 and 404.938.
• Phone assistance: SSA’s national line is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives can answer general questions about appeals and deadlines.

Medical records in Michigan: Work directly with your treating clinics and hospitals to obtain complete records. Provide SSA with provider names and addresses and upload records as soon as you receive them to avoid delays.

Community and legal support: You can also consult with a Michigan disability attorney who understands the SSDI system and can align your evidence with the controlling federal standards.

Detailed Deadlines and How to Protect Them

Missing a deadline risks dismissal. Here are the key timeframes set by federal law and regulations:

• Reconsideration: Request within 60 days of receipt of the initial denial (5-day mailing presumption). See 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1) and 404.901.
• ALJ hearing: Request within 60 days after receiving the reconsideration denial. See 20 CFR 404.933 and 404.929.
• Appeals Council: Request review within 60 days after receiving the ALJ decision. See 20 CFR 404.968.
• Federal court: File a civil action within 60 days after receiving the Appeals Council’s final action. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 CFR 422.210(c).

If you are late, request an extension by showing good cause under 20 CFR 404.911. SSA considers factors like serious illness, records destroyed by accidental cause, inability to understand the notice, or other circumstances beyond your control.

Evidence Strategy That Aligns with the Regulations

Successful appeals in Michigan, Michigan often turn on evidence quality—not just quantity. Consider these steps:

• Establish a medically determinable impairment: Ensure your records include objective signs and laboratory findings from acceptable medical sources. See 20 CFR 404.1502 and 404.1513.
• Demonstrate functional limitations: Ask treating providers to describe specific work-related limitations (e.g., lifting, standing, sitting, reaching, concentration, attendance, breaks). Align these with 20 CFR 404.1545 (RFC) and 404.1529 (symptoms).
• Address the Listings: If you may meet or equal a Listing in Appendix 1, provide the exact criteria and corresponding medical evidence. Even if you do not meet a Listing, strong RFC evidence can still win at Steps 4 or 5.
• Prepare for vocational issues: Clarify your past relevant work and how your limitations preclude it (Step 4), and prepare to challenge assumptions about transferable skills or alternative jobs at Step 5. See 20 CFR 404.1560 and 404.1568.
• Supportability and consistency of medical opinions: Under 20 CFR 404.1520c, opinions backed by explaining clinical findings (supportability) and consistent with the broader record (consistency) are most persuasive.

Special Procedural Considerations

• Administrative res judicata and dismissals: If SSA has already decided the same issue for the same period, an ALJ may dismiss a subsequent request. See 20 CFR 404.957(c)(1). Consider 20 CFR 404.988 on reopening if the timeframes allow.
• Closed periods of disability: If your impairment was disabling for at least 12 months but later improved, a closed period may be appropriate. Ensure the record documents both the onset and medical improvement.
• Medical improvement standard (post-entitlement): While this applies after benefits are granted, it can be relevant in closed-period arguments or continuing disability reviews. SSA requires medical improvement related to the ability to work.

Frequently Asked Questions for Michigan, Michigan SSDI Appeals

Q: Do I have to stop working completely to win SSDI? A: Earning at or above the SGA level generally results in a finding of not disabled at Step 1. If you work below SGA or your work is unsuccessful or sporadic, SSA will consider the specifics under its rules. See 20 CFR 404.1571–404.1575.Q: What if my doctor supports my claim but SSA’s reviewer disagrees? A: Under 20 CFR 404.1520c, ALJs evaluate medical opinions based on supportability and consistency. Strengthen the objective basis for your provider’s opinion and show how it aligns with the full record.Q: Can I submit new evidence at the hearing? A: Yes, but submit it as early as possible. If submitted late, you may need to show good cause. See 20 CFR 404.935.Q: How do I find my local office in Michigan? A: Use SSA’s online Office Locator to find the nearest field office serving your address. You can also call SSA’s national line for assistance.Q: Do I need a Michigan-licensed attorney? A: For federal court, yes—your representative must be a lawyer admitted to that court. For administrative proceedings before SSA, qualified non-attorney representatives are allowed under 20 CFR 404.1705. Many claimants choose a Michigan disability attorney familiar with local medical providers and SSA practices.### How a Representative Builds a Strong Michigan, Michigan Appeal

• Case theory: Frame your appeal around the five-step sequence with pinpoint regulatory citations and a clear onset theory aligned with insured status.
• Evidence development: Request targeted records and provider opinions tailored to RFC factors under 20 CFR 404.1545 and symptom evaluation under 20 CFR 404.1529.
• Hearing preparation: Anticipate vocational hypotheticals, identify conflicts with the Dictionary of Occupational Titles when applicable, and prepare cross-examination consistent with 20 CFR 404.1566.
• Briefing: Submit a concise pre-hearing brief that maps evidence to Listings or RFC restrictions and cites 20 CFR and the Social Security Act.

Local Michigan, Michigan Touchpoints

Michigan claimants can complete much of the process online or by phone. For in-person support, you can visit an SSA field office that serves your area. Your hearing notice will list the location of an in-person hearing (if scheduled) or provide video options. Always confirm procedures and whether appointments are required before traveling.

Use the resources below to access official SSA tools and the controlling regulations that apply to every SSDI denial appeal in Michigan, Michigan.

Authoritative Resources

SSA: How to Appeal a DecisioneCFR: 20 CFR 404.900 (Appeal Process)eCFR: 20 CFR 404.1520 (Five-Step Evaluation)eCFR: 20 CFR 404.1520c (Medical Opinions)SSA: Office Locator for Local Field Offices

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations can change, and your situation may be unique. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for advice about your specific case.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.