SSDI Guide: SSI & Appeals in Connecticut, CT

SSDI Denials and Appeals in Connecticut, CT: A Practical Guide for Claimants

If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim was denied in Connecticut, you are not alone—and you are not out of options. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many initial applications, even when the claimant has a serious medical condition. This guide explains your federal rights, strict appeal deadlines, what evidence matters most, and how to navigate the process as a Connecticut resident. While we slightly favor the claimant’s perspective, every point below is grounded in federal law and official guidance.

In Connecticut, disability claims follow federal rules. State Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the initial medical decision for the SSA, but your appeal rights are guaranteed by federal statutes and regulations. That means the timelines, standards, and procedures are the same in every state—including Connecticut. Hearings for Connecticut cases are typically scheduled at SSA hearing offices that serve the state, and you can verify your specific location using SSA’s official tools.

Below, you will find a step-by-step overview of the appeals process (from reconsideration through federal court), the most common reasons SSA denies claims, how to build stronger medical and vocational evidence, and where Connecticut residents can obtain official help. We cite the controlling federal law and SSA rules so you can confirm every requirement before you act.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Who qualifies for SSDI

SSDI is a federal insurance program for workers who have paid sufficient Social Security taxes and 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. The basic legal definition of disability used by the SSA appears at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505 and the five-step sequential evaluation process at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. SSI is a separate needs-based program for people with limited income and resources; its disability standard mirrors SSDI’s for adults, but it is governed by Part 416 of the regulations (see, e.g., 20 C.F.R. § 416.905 and § 416.920).

Your right to appeal

If SSA denies your initial claim, you have the right to appeal. Deadlines are critical: you generally have 60 days from the date you receive the notice of the determination to request each level of appeal (SSA presumes you receive the notice 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show you did not). See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909 (reconsideration), 404.933 (requesting a hearing), 404.968 (Appeals Council review), and 20 C.F.R. § 404.901 (time computation and “5-day” presumption). Equivalent SSI appeal rules appear in Part 416 (e.g., 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.1409, 416.1430, 416.1467).

Representation and fees

You have the right to appoint a representative for your SSDI or SSI case. Representatives may be attorneys or qualified non-attorneys, but they must comply with SSA’s representation rules in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1717 and fee authorization provisions in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1730. Attorney fees are typically contingent and capped under SSA rules, and any fee must be approved by SSA before it can be collected from your past-due benefits.

Connecticut-specific context

Although SSA regulations are federal, the practical aspects of your claim in Connecticut include which hearing office and field office serve your address. SSA’s official locators will identify your local field office for filing and customer service, and the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) that will handle your hearing. Connecticut claimants are generally scheduled for hearings at the hearing offices that serve the state. Always verify the most current venue assignments using SSA’s official tools (linked below).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why claims get denied helps you correct issues on appeal. Frequent reasons include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: SSA may conclude your records do not show a severe impairment or that your impairment does not meet SSA’s strict duration requirement of at least 12 months. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1509 (duration) and the evidence rules in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Ability to perform past work: At Step 4 of the sequential evaluation, SSA assesses whether you can still do your past relevant work. If SSA finds you can perform your past work, it will deny your claim. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f) and vocational definitions in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560–404.1565.
• Ability to do other work: At Step 5, the burden shifts to SSA to show there are other jobs in significant numbers you can perform, considering your residual functional capacity (RFC), age, education, and work experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), 404.1563 (age categories), 404.1566 (work exists in the national economy).
• Non-severe impairment finding: If SSA decides your impairment does not significantly limit basic work activities for 12 months, it may deny at Step 2. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1522.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning over the SGA threshold, SSA may deny at Step 1. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571–404.1574. SGA amounts are set annually by SSA.
• Non-compliance or lack of treatment: If the evidence suggests you did not follow prescribed treatment without good reason or missed consultative exams, the record may be too limited. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1518, 404.1517.
• Failure to meet a Listing: Some denials occur when SSA finds your condition does not meet or equal a Listing in the Listing of Impairments (the “Blue Book”). At Step 3, Listings can result in a favorable decision if met exactly or equaled medically. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d).
• Administrative or technical issues: Missing signatures, incomplete work history forms, or late appeals can also result in denials. SSA provides “good cause” exceptions for late filing in 20 C.F.R. § 404.911 (and SSI counterpart 20 C.F.R. § 416.1411), but you must show reasons beyond your control.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Core disability standard and evaluation process

The Social Security Act authorizes disability benefits and judicial review. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d) (definition of disability for SSDI) and 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (judicial review). SSA applies the five-step sequential evaluation process at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 to adult disability claims. Key evidentiary and procedural provisions include:

• Evidence and duty to submit: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512 requires claimants to submit all evidence known to them that relates to whether they are disabled, including evidence that may be unfavorable.
• Medical opinions and prior administrative findings: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c describes how SSA evaluates medical opinions (supportability and consistency are primary factors).
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545 defines RFC as the most you can still do despite your limitations and explains how SSA assesses it.
• Vocational rules: 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560–404.1569a govern vocational considerations, including how SSA determines whether there is other work you can do in the national economy.

Appeals stages and deadlines

Appeals proceed through four levels under strict deadlines, with parallel SSI rules in Part 416:

• Reconsideration (60 days): Request within 60 days of receipt of the initial denial. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 (SSDI) and § 416.1409 (SSI).
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (60 days): If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing within 60 days. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933 (SSDI) and § 416.1430 (SSI). SSA’s “5-day rule” for evidence submission generally requires you to inform SSA about or submit all written evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935 (and § 416.1435 for SSI).
• Appeals Council review (60 days): Request review of the ALJ’s decision within 60 days. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968 (SSDI) and § 416.1467 (SSI).
• Federal court (60 days): If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you generally have 60 days from receipt to file a civil action in the U.S. District Court. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 C.F.R. § 422.210.

If you miss a deadline, you can request an extension by showing “good cause.” See 20 C.F.R. § 404.911 (SSDI) and § 416.1411 (SSI). Explain in writing why you were late and provide supporting documentation.

Your right to representation

SSA permits representation by attorneys and qualified non-attorneys. Representatives must comply with conduct rules and fee authorization under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1740. You may appoint a representative at any time during your claim or appeal.

Hearing format options

SSA offers in-person, video, and telephone hearings in many cases. You can review the SSA’s current hearing options and discuss preference and availability with the hearing office that serves your address. See SSA’s hearing options resource linked below.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1) Read the denial notice carefully

Your notice states why SSA denied your claim and explains your appeal rights. Note the mailing date; the 60-day deadline begins from the date you receive the notice (SSA presumes 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show otherwise). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.901 for time computation and the presumption of receipt.

2) Calendar your deadlines immediately

Mark the 60-day deadline for your next appeal stage. Missing the deadline can result in dismissal. If you need more time, request an extension with a written explanation and evidence of good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

3) File your appeal online or at your local SSA office

You can submit your reconsideration or hearing request online through SSA’s official website or at your local field office. For Connecticut residents, use SSA’s Field Office Locator to find the office that serves your ZIP code. Keep copies of everything you submit and request a receipt.

4) Strengthen your medical evidence

• Update records: Obtain updated treatment notes, imaging, labs, specialist opinions, and hospital records covering the entire period at issue. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512, you must submit or inform SSA about all evidence that relates to your disability.
• Functional evidence: Ask your treating providers for detailed functional assessments aligned with SSA’s categories (e.g., sitting/standing tolerance, lifting, use of hands, off-task time, absences). SSA evaluates supportability and consistency of medical opinions under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c.
• Address gaps: If you have treatment gaps, explain them. If you could not afford treatment or experienced other barriers, include documentation; also inform SSA of any attempts to obtain low-cost care.

5) Prepare for vocational issues

• Past work: Provide accurate job descriptions and physical/mental demands of your past relevant work (typically work performed in the last 15 years). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1565.
• Other work: Be prepared to explain why your limitations prevent you from performing other jobs identified by SSA, considering your RFC, age, education, and skills. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560(c), 404.1563, 404.1566.

6) Observe the five-day evidence rule before hearings

For hearings, you generally must submit or identify all written evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing (with limited exceptions). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935. If you have last-minute evidence, explain why it was not available earlier and request that the ALJ admit it under one of the exceptions in the regulation.

7) Consider representation

Experienced representatives understand SSA’s rules and can help develop evidence, prepare you for testimony, and cross-examine vocational or medical experts at the hearing. Representation is governed by 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1740.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

You should consider consulting a representative promptly after any denial, especially when:

• You are approaching a deadline and need help perfecting your appeal.
• Your case involves complex medical issues or a combination of impairments.
• You have a complicated work history, are close to a higher age category under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1563, or need to challenge vocational testimony.
• You have been denied at multiple levels and are preparing for a hearing or Appeals Council review.

Under SSA rules, attorney fees generally require SSA approval, and many representatives work on a contingency basis, collecting only if you win past-due benefits. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1730.

Connecticut and federal court actions

If the Appeals Council denies your request for review or issues an unfavorable decision, you can file a civil action in the United States District Court within 60 days of receiving notice. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 C.F.R. § 422.210. For Connecticut claimants, the appropriate venue is the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Attorneys handling federal court actions must be admitted to practice in that court or seek admission for the case. The District of Connecticut publishes its admission procedures.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Connecticut Claimants

Finding your SSA field office

Use the SSA’s official Field Office Locator to identify your nearest office in Connecticut by ZIP code. You can file applications, submit appeals, or request status updates through that office. Many services are available online, but in-person visits can be scheduled if needed. Always bring identification and copies of your documents.

Connecticut hearing offices (OHO)

SSA hearings for Connecticut cases are generally handled by hearing offices serving the state. To confirm your specific hearing location and contact information, use the SSA’s Hearing Office Locator. You can also verify whether your hearing will be in-person, by video, or by telephone according to SSA’s current procedures.

State Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Connecticut initial disability determinations (medical decisions on whether you are disabled) are made by a state DDS under agreement with SSA. While DDS is state-operated, it applies federal SSA rules to evaluate your claim. The SSA provides information about DDS’s role in the disability process on its official website.

Legal representation and licensing in Connecticut

For representation before the SSA, attorneys and qualified non-attorneys must comply with SSA’s federal rules at 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1740. For representation in federal court, attorneys must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut or seek appropriate admission. For advice on Connecticut law or proceedings in Connecticut state courts, consult a Connecticut-licensed attorney in good standing.

Detailed Walkthrough of Each Appeal Level

Reconsideration

Deadline: 60 days from receipt of the initial denial (plus the 5-day mailing presumption). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909. Submit new and updated medical evidence and clarify any misunderstandings from the initial decision. Reconsideration is a fresh review by a different DDS team; they may request a consultative examination if needed. Keep track of all medical providers since your initial filing to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Administrative Law Judge Hearing

Deadline: 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration denial to request a hearing. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933. Before the hearing, the ALJ will create a case exhibit list. You must comply with the five-business-day evidence rule (20 C.F.R. § 404.935). At the hearing, you and your representative can present testimony, question experts, and submit written arguments. The ALJ will issue a written decision describing the five-step analysis, RFC findings, and an evaluation of medical and other evidence. If the ALJ relies on a vocational expert (VE), the VE will testify about job availability and how limitations affect the job base; you or your representative can cross-examine the VE.

Appeals Council

Deadline: 60 days from receipt of the ALJ decision to request review. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968. The Appeals Council may deny review, remand your case for a new hearing, or issue a decision. You can submit a written brief explaining why the ALJ erred in applying the law or weighing the evidence. If the Appeals Council denies review, the ALJ decision becomes the Commissioner’s final decision.

Federal Court

Deadline: 60 days from receipt of the Appeals Council’s denial or decision to file a civil action in the U.S. District Court. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); 20 C.F.R. § 422.210. The court reviews the administrative record to determine whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether correct legal standards were applied. The court can affirm, reverse, or remand the case to SSA for further proceedings.

Evidence Tips That Matter in Connecticut SSDI Appeals

• Document longitudinal treatment: Consistent records over time lend credibility and demonstrate persistence and severity of impairments, which is central to the 12-month duration requirement (20 C.F.R. § 404.1509).
• Functional capacity over diagnosis titles: SSA focuses on functional limitations, not labels. Align medical opinions with concrete restrictions relevant to RFC (20 C.F.R. § 404.1545).
• Address activities of daily living (ADLs): Be accurate and specific about how symptoms limit routine tasks. Inconsistencies between ADL reports and medical records can affect credibility.
• Specialist input: Opinions from specialists treating your conditions can be persuasive if well-supported and consistent with the record (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c).
• Medication effects and side effects: Include documentation of side effects that impact concentration, stamina, or attendance.
• Work attempts and accommodations: Explain unsuccessful work attempts and any accommodations that were insufficient to maintain employment. SSA recognizes “unsuccessful work attempts” under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).

Practical Connecticut Considerations

• Local offices and hearings: Connecticut residents should use the SSA office and hearing locators to confirm the field office and OHO that serve their addresses. Hearing venues and formats can change; verify your notice and contact the office with questions.
• Remote hearing options: SSA may offer video or telephone hearings in addition to in-person proceedings. Review the SSA’s hearing options and respond to any scheduling questionnaires promptly.
• Keeping contact info current: Notify SSA immediately if you move within Connecticut, change phone numbers, or switch providers. Missed notices can jeopardize your deadlines.

SSI vs. SSDI in Connecticut: What’s Different and What’s the Same

Both SSI and SSDI use the same adult disability standard but differ in financial eligibility and benefit sources. SSI is needs-based under Title XVI; SSDI is insurance-based under Title II. Appeal rights and timelines are similar across both programs, with SSI rules found in 20 C.F.R. Part 416. If you applied for both programs and received denials, make sure you file appeals for each program, following the respective forms and notices.

FAQs for Connecticut Claimants

How long do I have to appeal?

Generally 60 days from the date you receive the notice (SSA presumes 5 days after the notice date). See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.933, 404.968, and 404.901. You can request extra time for good cause (20 C.F.R. § 404.911).

Where will my hearing take place?

Connecticut hearings are scheduled at the hearing offices that serve the state. Use the SSA Hearing Office Locator to confirm your specific OHO and hearing format based on your address. Always rely on your official Notice of Hearing for the exact location or connection details.

Do I need a Connecticut disability attorney?

For SSA proceedings, you can be represented by an attorney or qualified non-attorney; SSA’s rules govern representation (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1740). For legal advice about Connecticut law or for filing a federal court case in the District of Connecticut, consider a Connecticut-licensed attorney admitted to practice in the relevant court.

Can I submit new evidence to the Appeals Council?

You may submit new, material, and related evidence that relates to the period on or before the date of the ALJ decision, subject to SSA’s rules. If you could not obtain the evidence earlier, explain why. The Appeals Council applies regulatory standards when deciding whether to consider new evidence.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Residents

• Appeal every denial on time—deadlines are strict at each level (generally 60 days).
• Strengthen your case with updated medical and functional evidence aligned with SSA’s standards.
• Use SSA’s official locators for Connecticut field offices and hearing offices to manage filings and prepare for hearings.
• Consider representation, especially for hearings, Appeals Council, and federal court.
• Keep your contact information and medical records current to avoid missed notices or incomplete files.

Authoritative Resources

SSA: How to Appeal a DecisioneCFR: 20 C.F.R. Part 404 (Disability Insurance)eCFR: 20 C.F.R. Part 416 (SSI)SSA: Field Office LocatorSSA: Hearing Office (OHO) LocatorU.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut: Attorney Admissions

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.

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