SSDI Denial Appeal Guide for Inverness, Texas

Introduction: Why a Location-Specific SSDI Guide Matters to Inverness, Texas Residents

Finding dependable information after a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) denial can be overwhelming—especially when you live in a small Central-North Texas community like Inverness. Your work history, medical evidence, and appeal deadlines are governed by federal law, but where you file and who hears your case depends on local Social Security Administration (SSA) procedures. Inverness claimants are typically served by the SSA field office in Cleburne (1711 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033), and most hearings are scheduled through the Fort Worth Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Knowing which office handles your paperwork, how long you have to respond, and when to call a lawyer can make the difference between years of uncertainty and finally receiving the monthly benefits you paid for through FICA taxes.

This 2,500-plus-word guide is written for Inverness workers and their families. It slightly favors the claimant’s viewpoint while remaining strictly factual and fully sourced from the Social Security Act, the Code of Federal Regulations, and official SSA publications. You will learn why claims are denied, which federal rules protect you, and how to navigate each stage of the four-level administrative review process without missing a deadline.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1. The Federal Definition of Disability

SSDI is a federal insurance program. You do not need to prove financial need; instead, you must establish that you meet the statutory definition of disability found at Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act. Under 20 CFR §404.1505, a claimant must show:

• A medically determinable physical or mental impairment

• Expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death

• Which prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) in both past relevant work and any other work in the national economy, considering age, education, and work experience

2. Your Work Credits

Most adults need 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the 10 years preceding disability onset (different rules apply if you are under age 31). Credits are tracked by SSA and can be verified online using your my Social Security account.

3. Non-Medical Requirements

To remain insured you must have paid FICA or SECA taxes. SSA also checks for substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2024 the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind claimants and $2,590 for blind claimants (SSA annual adjustments).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. Hood County and the surrounding Region 6 (Dallas–Fort Worth) mirror these statistics. The most frequent denial rationales include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – Missing imaging, specialist notes, or objective test results.

• Failure to Meet Duration Requirement – Impairment not expected to last 12 months.

• Ability to Perform Past Relevant Work – SSA finds you can still do jobs held in the last 15 years.

• Vocational Adjustment – At Step 5 of the sequential evaluation, SSA identifies other jobs it says you can perform.

• Technical Denials – Not insured, earnings over SGA, or failure to respond to SSA requests.

The denial letter (Form SSA-DEN-L443) will cite a code and explanation. Read it carefully; appeals are always rooted in the specific reason for denial.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations Every Inverness Claimant Should Know

1. The Four-Level Administrative Review Process – 20 CFR §404.900

SSA regulations guarantee a multi-step appeal:

• Reconsideration – 60 days to file (20 CFR §404.909).

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing – 60 days after a reconsideration denial (20 CFR §404.929).

• Appeals Council Review – 60 days after ALJ decision (20 CFR §404.967).

• U.S. District Court – Civil action must be filed within 60 days of Appeals Council denial or decision (42 U.S.C. §405(g)). Federal court for Hood County claims is the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

2. Evidence Rules

Under 20 CFR §404.1512, you—not your doctor or lawyer—are ultimately responsible for submitting all evidence that "relates" to your disability. However, representatives must assist in gathering and uploading records to SSA’s Electronic Records Express (ERE).

3. Representation and Attorney Fees

Federal law caps standard contingency fees at 25% of past-due benefits, not to exceed $7,200 (42 U.S.C. §406(a)(2)(A); amount current as of November 30, 2022). Fees are withheld and paid directly by SSA only if you win.

4. Anti-Retaliation Protection

SSA cannot penalize you for filing an appeal. Retaliation by employers is separately prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enforced by the EEOC.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Mark Your Calendar—You Have 60 + 5 Days

Federal regulations give you 60 days from the date you receive the letter. SSA presumes receipt five days after the date on the notice (20 CFR §404.901). Missing the deadline generally means starting a new application, costing months of benefits.

2. File Form SSA-561 Request for Reconsideration

Inverness residents can submit the form online, by mail to the Cleburne field office, or in person. Keep proof of filing—certified mail receipt or SSA date-stamped copy.

3. Submit New Evidence

Many reconsiderations are still denied, but updated evidence lays the groundwork for an ALJ hearing. Typical additions include:

• Recent MRI or CT studies

• Specialist treatment notes (orthopedist, neurologist, psychiatrist)

• Work performance records showing reduced hours or accommodations

• Side-effect logs for medications

4. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

Hood County cases are docketed at the Fort Worth OHO, 819 Taylor St., Room 7A22, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hearings may be held in person, by video, or by telephone. You can—and often should—submit a pre-hearing brief summarizing medical and vocational arguments.

5. Appeals Council and Federal Court

If the ALJ denies, you must file Form HA-520 within 60 days. The Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA reviews written arguments only; rarely does it take new evidence unless "new, material, and related to the period on or before the hearing decision" (20 CFR §404.970). After Appeals Council denial, suit is filed in the U.S. District Court; no new evidence is allowed, and the judge reviews the record for legal error.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

You have the right to represent yourself. However, multiple peer-reviewed studies show that claimants represented by attorneys or qualified non-attorney advocates have materially higher success rates at the ALJ stage. Key moments to consider counsel include:

• Immediately After Initial Denial – An attorney can draft a focused reconsideration, reducing duplicate denials.

• Before the ALJ Hearing – Lawyers cross-examine vocational and medical experts, submit legal briefs, and ensure testimony is complete.

• Complex Cases – Combination impairments, closed periods, or work over SGA limits.

• Adverse Onset Dates – If SSA amends your alleged onset date, you risk losing months of back pay.

Texas attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and admitted to practice before the SSA. You can verify licensure at the State Bar’s official Attorney Search.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Inverness Claimants

1. SSA Field Office Serving Inverness

Cleburne SSA Field Office 1711 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033 Phone: 866-270-7140 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Always call first; offices may require appointments. To locate additional offices use the SSA’s Field Office Locator.

2. Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Although you never deal directly with DDS, it is the state agency contracted by SSA to evaluate medical evidence at the initial and reconsideration levels. The main DDS office is in Austin.

3. Medical Providers Familiar With SSDI Forms

• Lake Granbury Medical Center – 1310 Paluxy Rd., Granbury, TX 76048

• Texas Health Cleburne – 201 Walls Dr., Cleburne, TX 76033

Provide your doctors with SSA Form HA-1151 (Physical) or SSA-3373-BK (Function Report) early to avoid gaps in the record.

4. Community Assistance

• Hood County Committee on Aging – Help with transportation to SSA appointments.

• Legal Aid of Northwest Texas – May accept SSDI cases for very low-income residents.

5. Checking Claim Status Online

Use your my Social Security account or call the SSA national number (800-772-1213). Document each call—date, time, and SSA agent’s name.

Authoritative References

Official SSA Appeals Information 20 CFR Part 404 – Federal Disability Regulations Social Security Act § 223(d) – Definition of Disability SSA Field Office Locator State Bar of Texas Attorney Verification

Conclusion

A denial is not the final word. Federal law gives every Inverness claimant a clear, deadline-driven path to challenge SSA’s decision. By understanding the regulations, gathering complete medical evidence, and—when needed—partnering with an experienced Inverness disability attorney, you greatly improve your odds of securing the benefits you earned.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.

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