SSDI Attorney Guide: Connecticut, Connecticut Appeals

SSDI Attorney Guide: Your Rights and Options After a Denial in Connecticut, Connecticut

If you live anywhere in Connecticut, Connecticut and your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application was denied, you are not alone. Many first-time claims are denied. The important thing is that federal law gives you multiple chances to appeal, present more evidence, and be heard by a neutral judge. This comprehensive legal guide explains what a Connecticut claimant should know about SSDI denials and appeals, what deadlines apply, how to strengthen your case, and how to connect with the Social Security Administration (SSA) locally. While we slightly favor protecting claimants’ rights, this guide is strictly factual and draws on federal law and regulations that govern every SSDI claim.

SSDI is a federal program, but where you live matters for practical steps. Connecticut residents file appeals under the same federal rules as everyone else, but your local SSA field office and the region that serves Connecticut can affect where you submit paperwork and where your hearing is held. Connecticut is within SSA’s Boston Region (Region 1). You can locate your field office, submit an appeal online, and ask questions by phone. This article focuses on the appeals path after a denial, your rights under the Social Security Act and the Code of Federal Regulations, and the concrete actions you can take now to protect your benefits.

Key points at a glance for Connecticut claimants:

• Appeal deadlines are strict. Generally, you have 60 days to appeal a denial at each stage, and SSA presumes you received the decision five days after the date on the notice (see 20 CFR 404.909, 404.901, 404.933, 404.968).
• You have a right to representation at any stage, including by an attorney or qualified non-attorney representative (20 CFR 404.1705).
• You can and should submit additional medical evidence with your appeal. SSA requires relevant evidence to be submitted or informed about as soon as possible, and no later than five business days before your hearing unless an exception applies (20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 404.935).
• If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a federal court action within 60 days under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Who qualifies for SSDI under federal law

SSDI is available to insured workers who become disabled under the Social Security Act. The statute defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months or result in death (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A)). To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits and be insured for disability benefits at the time your disability began; the SSA evaluates your medical limitations and vocational profile under detailed regulations.

How SSA decides disability: the five-step process

SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation (20 CFR 404.1520):

• SGA: Are you performing substantial gainful activity? If so, you are generally not disabled (20 CFR 404.1572).
• Severe impairment: Do you have a medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities? (20 CFR 404.1520(c); 20 CFR 404.1521).
• Listings: Does your impairment meet or equal a listing in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1? If yes, you are disabled.
• Past relevant work: Considering your residual functional capacity (RFC), can you do your past relevant work? (20 CFR 404.1545; 20 CFR 404.1560(b)).
• Other work: If you cannot do past work, can you do other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy, considering your RFC, age, education, and work experience? (20 CFR 404.1560(c), 404.1566).

You have the right to submit evidence and make arguments at every step, especially during appeals. An experienced SSDI attorney can help develop medical evidence, prepare you for testimony, and argue how the vocational rules apply to your case.

Your right to representation

You may appoint a representative to help you with any stage of your claim (20 CFR 404.1705). This can be a licensed attorney or a qualified non-attorney representative. Representatives may charge a fee only if SSA approves it (20 CFR 404.1720–404.1730). In Connecticut, attorneys who provide legal services to clients within the state must be licensed and in good standing; for representation before SSA, the federal representative rules apply. Choosing a representative familiar with SSA practice and Connecticut claimants can help ensure deadlines are met and evidence is properly submitted.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Connecticut residents see the same denial reasons as claimants nationwide because SSA applies uniform federal standards. Common grounds include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: The record lacks objective medical evidence from acceptable medical sources to establish a medically determinable impairment and functional limitations (20 CFR 404.1513, 404.1521).
• Durational issues: The impairment is not expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A)).
• Work above SGA: Earnings suggest substantial gainful activity after the alleged onset date (20 CFR 404.1571–404.1574). Some work attempts may be considered an unsuccessful work attempt under 20 CFR 404.1574(c), but SSA must evaluate the facts.
• Failure to cooperate: Missing consultative examinations, not providing requested records, or failing to complete necessary forms can lead to denial (20 CFR 404.1517–404.1519t; 20 CFR 404.1520b).
• Ability to perform past work or other work: SSA finds you can return to past relevant work or adjust to other work given your RFC, age, education, and experience (20 CFR 404.1560–404.1569a).
• Insured status not met: Not enough recent work credits or insured status ended before disability began (20 CFR 404.130–404.132).

Getting denied does not mean you are not disabled. It often means the record needs to be developed, clarified, or updated. Practices that help Connecticut claimants include ensuring longitudinal treatment notes are in the file, obtaining detailed medical opinions on functional limits, and clarifying work histories and job demands.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key statutes and regulations

• Definition of disability: 42 U.S.C. § 423(d).
• Right to a hearing and judicial review: 42 U.S.C. § 405(b), § 405(g).
• Five-step evaluation: 20 CFR 404.1520.
• Evidence requirements: 20 CFR 404.1513; duty to submit evidence and the five-day rule at the hearing level, 20 CFR 404.935.
• Appeal stages and deadlines: Reconsideration (20 CFR 404.909), hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) (20 CFR 404.929, 404.933), Appeals Council review (20 CFR 404.967–404.968).
• Receipt presumption (mailing rule): 20 CFR 404.901 (five-day presumption of receipt) and “good cause” for late filing at 20 CFR 404.911.
• Right to representation: 20 CFR 404.1705; representative fees 20 CFR 404.1720–404.1730.

Appeals path after a denial

• Reconsideration: A different team reviews your file. You must request it within 60 days (20 CFR 404.909).
• ALJ Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing within 60 days (20 CFR 404.933). You can present witnesses and testify; SSA may call vocational or medical experts.
• Appeals Council: Request review within 60 days (20 CFR 404.968). The Appeals Council may deny review, remand, or issue a decision.
• Federal Court: File a civil action within 60 days after receiving the Appeals Council’s final action (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)). For Connecticut residents, that action is filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

At the hearing level, you must inform SSA about or submit all written evidence no later than five business days before the hearing, unless an exception applies (20 CFR 404.935). You have the right to review your file, request subpoenas for records or witnesses, and question experts (20 CFR 404.950–404.951).

Dismissals and res judicata

SSA may dismiss your request for hearing in limited circumstances, such as if you fail to appear without good cause, or if SSA has already decided the same facts and issues for the same period (res judicata). See 20 CFR 404.957. If you get a dismissal notice, act quickly: you may be able to ask for vacatur if you show good cause, or you may need to file a new application addressing different issues or a new time period.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1) Read your denial notice carefully

Your notice explains the reasons for denial and your appeal rights. It is presumed you receive the notice five days after the date on the letter (20 CFR 404.901). Calculate your deadline from the date on the notice, add five days, then count 60 days. If you miss the deadline, you can ask SSA to excuse the late filing for good cause (20 CFR 404.911), but you should not rely on this—file on time if at all possible.

2) File your appeal promptly (protect your date)

To keep your appeal rights alive, file your request for reconsideration (or for a hearing, if you are past reconsideration) as soon as possible. You can file online, by mail, or at your local SSA office. Online filing is often fastest and provides a confirmation receipt.

• Reconsideration: 60 days from receipt (20 CFR 404.909)
• ALJ hearing: 60 days from receipt (20 CFR 404.933)
• Appeals Council: 60 days from receipt (20 CFR 404.968)
• Federal court: 60 days from receipt of the Appeals Council’s final action (42 U.S.C. § 405(g))

3) Strengthen your medical evidence

SSA weighs objective medical evidence and opinion evidence from acceptable medical sources (20 CFR 404.1513). Focus on:

• Longitudinal records: Treatment notes over time from your primary providers and specialists.
• Objective findings: Imaging, lab results, neurocognitive testing, pulmonary function tests, and other diagnostics.
• Functional assessments: Statements describing work-related limitations (sitting, standing, lifting, use of hands, attendance, off-task time, stress tolerance, social interaction) tied to clinical findings.
• Adherence and side effects: Notes on prescribed treatment, attempts to follow it, and medication side effects that impact function.

For mental health conditions, therapy notes, psychological testing, and psychiatric evaluations matter. For conditions like cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, and musculoskeletal disorders, functional capacity evaluations and specialty records can be critical.

4) Update work and daily activity information

SSA examines your past work and daily activities to assess your functional capacity. Provide accurate details of your job duties and the physical and mental demands (e.g., lifting, standing, complexity, pacing). Inconsistent or incomplete information can undercut your case. If you tried to work after your onset date, tell SSA exactly how long, what you earned, and why the attempt ended; SSA must evaluate whether it was an unsuccessful work attempt (20 CFR 404.1574(c)).

5) Prepare for your hearing (if your case reaches that stage)

If you request an ALJ hearing, you may be offered options such as in-person, telephone, or video hearings. You have rights regarding the manner of appearance (see 20 CFR 404.936). Before the hearing:

• Review the entire file and identify missing records; submit or inform SSA no later than five business days before the hearing (20 CFR 404.935).
• Consider obtaining a detailed medical source statement addressing specific work-related limitations and linking them to objective findings.
• Prepare your testimony about symptoms, treatment, limitations, and work history; practice explaining bad days and variability.
• Plan questions for vocational experts on job requirements and whether hypothetical limitations preclude work in the national economy (20 CFR 404.1566).

6) Keep communicating with SSA

Respond promptly to SSA requests. If you cannot attend a consultative exam or a hearing, notify SSA immediately and request to reschedule with an explanation. Maintain current contact information so you do not miss time-sensitive notices.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you are not required to have an attorney, many Connecticut claimants benefit from legal representation—especially at the hearing and court stages. Representatives understand the five-step framework, how to present medical and vocational evidence, how to cross-examine experts, and how to preserve issues for Appeals Council and court review. Representatives must follow federal rules for fees, which SSA must approve (20 CFR 404.1720–404.1730). A Connecticut disability attorney can coordinate with your treating providers and ensure your file is complete before your hearing.

Consider getting help if:

• Your case turns on complex medical issues, multiple conditions, or mental health impairments.
• You received a denial citing ability to do past work or “other work” and you need to challenge the vocational findings.
• There are missed deadlines or prior dismissals where a good-cause argument may be necessary (20 CFR 404.911).
• You are escalating to the Appeals Council or federal court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), where the standard of review and record-based arguments matter.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Connecticut Residents

How to contact SSA in Connecticut

Connecticut is in SSA’s Boston Region (Region 1). You can locate your nearest field office and confirm mailing addresses and hours using the SSA Office Locator. You can also file appeals online and track case status via your personal my Social Security account.

SSA Office Locator: Find your local Social Security officeAppeal a decision online: SSA Disability Appeal PortalSSA Boston Region information: SSA Boston Region (serving Connecticut) You can reach SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you visit a field office, bring a government-issued photo ID. For appeals, keep copies of everything you submit and request receipts for filings.

Hearings and federal court in Connecticut

Hearing locations are administered by SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Your Notice of Hearing will identify the precise location and format. If you receive an unfavorable Appeals Council action and pursue court review, you file your civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut as provided by 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The court will review whether SSA’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.

Building a stronger Connecticut case record

To improve your chances on appeal, consider the following Connecticut-focused steps:

• Confirm that all Connecticut-based treating providers have sent records covering the full relevant period and including objective testing.
• Ask your providers for opinions tied to SSA’s functional language (for example, limits on lifting/carrying, standing/walking, off-task time, absenteeism).
• Document how your symptoms affect daily activities, including on bad days, and how often symptoms flare.
• If you moved within Connecticut or changed clinics, ensure SSA has updated contact details and releases for all locations.

Frequently Invoked Regulations and How They Help Your Appeal

• 20 CFR 404.1520 (Five-step evaluation): Anchor your argument to the step where your evidence shows disability—Listings at step 3, inability to perform past work at step 4, or no other work at step 5.
• 20 CFR 404.1545 (RFC): Demonstrate specific work-related limitations through medical opinions and objective evidence.
• 20 CFR 404.1513 (Medical evidence): Ensure your sources are “acceptable medical sources” where required, and supply all relevant evidence promptly.
• 20 CFR 404.935 (Five-day evidence rule): Avoid exclusions by submitting or identifying evidence at least five business days before the hearing, or be prepared to show an exception.
• 20 CFR 404.909, 404.933, 404.968 (Deadlines): Avoid dismissal by calendar-tracking all 60-day deadlines.
• 20 CFR 404.911 (Good cause): If a late filing occurs, explain in detail why and provide documentation; SSA can excuse late appeals for good cause.

Practical Timeline After a Denial

• Day 1–10: Read your notice; mark your appeal deadline (date of letter + 5 days + 60 days). Decide on representative.
• Day 10–30: File your appeal online or at a local SSA office. Request and review your electronic file, identify missing medical records.
• Day 30–60: Submit updated records and medical opinions; complete SSA questionnaires carefully and consistently.
• Reconsideration decision: If denied again, request your hearing quickly and continue developing records.
• Before hearing: Comply with the five-day evidence rule (20 CFR 404.935); prepare testimony and questions for any vocational expert.

What Happens at the ALJ Hearing

Your hearing is non-adversarial, but it is critical. The ALJ will swear you in, ask questions, and may call vocational and medical experts. You and your representative can question these experts. Focus on clarity and consistency:

• Explain your past jobs and why you cannot perform them (tools, weights lifted, postures, mental demands).
• Describe symptom frequency and severity with examples (e.g., how often you must lie down, time off-task, missed days).
• Tie limitations to medical findings—show the ALJ this is not just subjective; it is medically supported.
• Address work attempts and why they failed, highlighting any unsuccessful work attempt considerations (20 CFR 404.1574(c)).

Appeals Council and Federal Court: What to Expect

Appeals Council

The Appeals Council reviews whether the ALJ applied the correct law and whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence. It may deny review, remand for a new hearing, or issue a decision. The request must be filed within 60 days (20 CFR 404.968). You may submit written arguments and new evidence if it meets the regulatory criteria for timeliness and materiality.

Federal court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)

If Appeals Council review is denied or unfavorable, you can file in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. The court reviews the administrative record to decide if SSA’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and based on the correct legal standards. You cannot present new evidence except in limited circumstances. If the court finds error, it can remand the case to SSA or, rarely, order benefits. Deadlines are strict—file within 60 days of receiving the final Appeals Council action, as required by statute (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)).

Answers to Common Connecticut Questions

• Do I have to go through reconsideration in Connecticut? Yes. Connecticut follows the standard process, which includes reconsideration before an ALJ hearing (20 CFR 404.909, 404.929).
• Can someone represent me who is not a Connecticut attorney? For SSA proceedings, representation is governed by federal rules (20 CFR 404.1705). However, for Connecticut state-law matters, legal services must be provided by attorneys licensed in Connecticut. Many SSDI representatives are licensed attorneys experienced with Connecticut claimants.
• What if I miss a deadline? Immediately file the appeal and ask for “good cause” consideration (20 CFR 404.911), attaching documentation (e.g., hospitalization, misdirected mail).
• Will I have to attend in person? Hearings can be in person, by telephone, or by video; you have rights regarding the manner of appearance (20 CFR 404.936). Follow the instructions in your Notice of Hearing.

How to Make Your Connecticut SSDI Case Stronger

• Consistency: Ensure your function reports, medical notes, and testimony tell a consistent story about limitations and bad days.
• Specificity: Quantify limits (e.g., standing 10 minutes, lifting 5 pounds, off-task 20% of a workday) and connect them to medical evidence.
• Compliance and explanations: Follow treatment recommendations where possible; if not, document valid reasons such as side effects or contraindications (SSA considers explanations under 20 CFR 404.1529 and related guidance).
• Vocational evidence: Clarify why the skills from your past work do not transfer, or how limitations preclude both past and other work in significant numbers (20 CFR 404.1560–404.1569a).

Essential Links and Tools for Connecticut Claimants

SSA: Appeal a Decision (Official SSA Appeals Portal)SSA Office Locator (Find Your Local Field Office)SSA Blue Book (Listing of Impairments)eCFR: 20 CFR Part 404 (Disability Insurance Benefits Regulations)SSA Boston Region (Serving Connecticut)

SEO Notes for Claimants and Caregivers

People often search for terms like “social security disability,” “connecticut disability attorney,” and “SSDI appeals.” For discoverability, we include the phrase “SSDI denial appeal connecticut connecticut” to ensure that Connecticut residents can find accurate, regulation-based guidance focused on their location.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney about your situation.

Call to Action

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