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SSDI Denials and Appeals Guide for Connecticut, Connecticut

Facing an SSDI denial in Connecticut can be stressful—especially when your health prevents you from working and bills are mounting. This comprehensive guide explains your rights, the federal rules that govern Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and the exact steps to appeal a denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is written for claimants in Connecticut and slightly favors protecting your interests while staying strictly factual and grounded in federal law.

Connecticut residents apply for SSDI under federal law. Your application and appeal will be processed under the same national rules that apply in every state, but you will work with local SSA field offices, Connecticut’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) at the initial and reconsideration stages, and hearing locations coordinated by SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). SSA places Connecticut in its Boston Region, and hearings may be held in-person within the state or by telephone or video depending on scheduling and availability. Because procedures and deadlines are uniform nationwide, understanding the federal regulations is essential to protecting your claim.

This guide covers: the five-step disability evaluation, common reasons claims are denied, the four levels of appeal, precise federal deadlines, how to submit evidence correctly, and when it is prudent to involve a Connecticut attorney. You will also find practical local information for Connecticut claimants, including how to locate nearby SSA offices. For quick reference, remember this exact search phrase if you need to find targeted resources again: SSDI denial appeal connecticut connecticut.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI is a federal insurance program. If you have sufficient work credits and you meet the SSA definition of disability, you are entitled to benefits. The core legal standards come from the Social Security Act and SSA regulations.

• Definition of Disability: The Social Security Act defines disability for SSDI purposes as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or lasting at least 12 months. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d).
• Sequential Evaluation Process: SSA decides disability using a five-step sequence in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. In brief, SSA examines: (1) whether you are working at substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels; (2) whether you have a severe impairment; (3) whether your impairment meets or equals a listed impairment; (4) your residual functional capacity (RFC) and whether you can perform past relevant work; and (5) whether you can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy considering your RFC, age, education, and work experience.
• Evidence Requirements: You must submit medical and other evidence showing the nature and severity of your impairments, their onset, and how they limit work-related activities. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Right to Appeal: If your claim is denied, you have a legal right to appeal through four levels: reconsideration, hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Appeals Council review, and federal court. The administrative review process is outlined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.900.
• Representation: You have the right to appoint an attorney or qualified representative to assist you at every stage. SSA regulates fees and requires approval of representative fees. See 42 U.S.C. § 406 and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1720.

These rights apply equally to all SSDI claimants, including those in Connecticut. The SSA will evaluate your medical records from your Connecticut providers, your work history, and your vocational profile according to these uniform federal standards.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why claims are often denied helps you fix problems on appeal. Denials commonly occur for the following reasons (each tied to federal rules):

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: If initial records do not fully address diagnosis, duration, objective findings (e.g., imaging, labs), treatment response, or specific functional limitations, SSA may conclude the evidence does not establish disability under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Working Over SGA: If you earn more than the SGA limit, SSA will deny at Step 1 of the five-step process per 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b). Even part-time work can lead to SGA-level earnings depending on the amount.
• Impairment Not “Severe”: At Step 2, SSA requires that your impairment significantly limits basic work activities. If SSA classifies your condition as non-severe, the claim is denied. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).
• Listings Not Met or Equaled: If your condition does not meet or medically equal a Listing at Step 3, SSA moves on to assess RFC. Many denials occur because evidence does not closely match a Listing’s strict criteria. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d).
• RFC Allows Past Work: If SSA finds that your RFC allows you to do your past relevant work, it will deny at Step 4. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f).
• Other Work Exists: At Step 5, SSA may find you can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Denials here often turn on vocational factors and the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (the “Grid Rules”) in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 2.
• Non-Compliance or Gaps in Treatment: While there may be legitimate reasons for missed appointments or treatment changes, SSA may draw adverse inferences if records are sparse or inconsistent. Evidence still must demonstrate functional limitations over time. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Failure to Cooperate: Not responding to SSA requests for forms, consultative exams, or additional records can lead to denials. The duty to inform and cooperate is part of 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.

A denial does not mean your case is unwinnable. Many Connecticut claimants succeed at reconsideration or hearing after submitting more complete medical evidence and clarifying functional limitations with treating sources.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

The SSDI appeals process is governed by federal statutes and regulations that apply in Connecticut and nationwide. Key authorities include:

• Appeals Framework: The administrative review process is set out in 20 C.F.R. § 404.900. It describes the successive levels—reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court.

• Appeal Deadlines: Time limits are strict but uniform:

• Reconsideration: Generally 60 days after you receive the notice of the initial determination. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909(a)(1).

• ALJ Hearing: Generally 60 days after you receive the reconsideration determination. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933(b)(1).

• Appeals Council Review: Generally 60 days after you receive the ALJ decision. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968(a)(1).

• Federal Court: Generally 60 days after you receive the Appeals Council notice. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 C.F.R. § 422.210(c).

• Mailing Presumption: SSA presumes you receive a notice 5 days after the date on the notice, unless you can show you received it later. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.901 (definition of “date you receive notice”).

• Good Cause for Late Filing: SSA may extend deadlines if you show good cause (e.g., serious illness, records not available, misdirected mail). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

• Evidence Submission Duty: You must inform SSA about or submit all evidence that relates to whether you are disabled. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(a).

• Five-Day Evidence Rule at Hearing: Generally, you must submit or notify the ALJ about written evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing, with exceptions for good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935.

• Definition of Disability: See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d).

• Representation and Fees: Representation rules and fee approvals are governed by 42 U.S.C. § 406 and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1720.

These rules protect your rights and set the standards SSA must follow. On appeal, you can ask SSA to correct factual or legal errors, consider new and material evidence, and reassess your RFC with the benefit of updated medical-source statements.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1) Read the Denial Notice Carefully

The notice explains why SSA denied your claim and states your appeal deadline. Mark the 60-day deadline (plus the 5-day mailing presumption under 20 C.F.R. § 404.901). If the deadline is approaching, file the appeal first to preserve your rights, and then continue building your evidence.

2) File a Timely Reconsideration

For most Connecticut SSDI denials, the first appeal is reconsideration. File within 60 days of receipt per 20 C.F.R. § 404.909. You can appeal online, by mail, or in person at a local SSA field office. In reconsideration, a different DDS examiner reviews your case. Submit any new medical evidence with your appeal.

3) Strengthen the Medical Record

• Update Treatment Records: Request complete records from all Connecticut and out-of-state providers, including primary care, specialists, hospital admissions, physical therapy, mental health treatment, imaging, and lab results.
• Obtain Medical Opinions: Ask treating providers for detailed medical-source statements describing your functional limitations (e.g., sitting/standing tolerance, lifting, need for breaks, off-task time, absenteeism). This directly informs RFC under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.
• Document Longitudinal Evidence: Show consistency over time—diagnoses, objective findings, treatments tried and their side effects, and any complications. This helps establish the 12-month duration requirement (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)).

4) Request an ALJ Hearing if Reconsideration Is Denied

You typically have 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration decision to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933(b)(1). Hearings may be in-person, by video, or by telephone. Prepare early: under 20 C.F.R. § 404.935, notify the ALJ about evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing unless you have good cause. Organize exhibits, draft a prehearing brief, and be ready to question vocational or medical experts if they are called.

5) Consider Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request Appeals Council review within 60 days of receipt (20 C.F.R. § 404.968(a)(1)). The Appeals Council may grant, deny, or dismiss your request; it may also remand your case for a new hearing if it finds error or there is new, material, and time-relevant evidence.

6) Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a civil action in federal district court within 60 days of receipt. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 20 C.F.R. § 422.210(c). The court reviews whether the ALJ applied the correct legal standards and whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence. New evidence is generally limited at this stage, so it is critical to develop the record fully earlier.

7) Keep SSA Updated

Throughout your appeal, promptly report address changes, new diagnoses, hospitalizations, or treatment changes. Provide SSA with releases so it can request records, but whenever possible, obtain and submit complete records yourself to ensure nothing is missed (see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you are not required to have a representative, many Connecticut claimants benefit from legal help, especially at the ALJ hearing and beyond. A knowledgeable representative can:

• Analyze your case under the five-step framework (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520) and the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 2).
• Identify missing evidence, obtain persuasive medical-source statements, and organize exhibits to address the reasons for denial.
• Draft prehearing briefs, prepare you for testimony, and cross-examine vocational experts regarding job numbers and transferable skills.
• Spot legal errors and preserve issues for Appeals Council and federal court review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

Attorney licensing in Connecticut: Attorneys who provide legal services in Connecticut must be admitted to practice law in Connecticut under state rules. However, representation before SSA is a federal administrative practice. Claimants may appoint qualified representatives (attorney or non-attorney) subject to SSA’s rules, and fees must be approved by SSA. See 42 U.S.C. § 406 and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1720.

If your health limits your ability to navigate deadlines, gather records, or present your case, consider engaging a representative early—ideally at reconsideration or before the ALJ hearing. This helps ensure your evidence meets SSA’s requirements and the five-day submission rule (20 C.F.R. § 404.935).

Federal Legal Protections in Detail

The Five-Step Evaluation (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520)

• Step 1—SGA: If you are working and your gross monthly earnings exceed SGA, you are not disabled under SSA rules.
• Step 2—Severity: You must have at least one severe, medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.
• Step 3—Listings: If your impairment meets or medically equals a listed impairment, you are deemed disabled without considering age, education, or work experience.
• Step 4—Past Work: SSA determines your RFC and compares it to the demands of your past relevant work. If you can do your past work, you are not disabled.
• Step 5—Other Work: SSA considers whether you can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, using vocational factors and the Grid Rules.

Evidence, RFC, and Medical Opinions

Medical records, objective tests, treatment history, and provider opinions are central. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512, you must submit evidence that relates to your disability. Effective appeals often include:

• Objective Evidence: Imaging, lab tests, mental status exams, standardized functional assessments.
• Function-by-Function Analysis: Specific limits on sitting, standing, walking, lifting, use of hands, postural and environmental restrictions, and mental abilities like concentration and pace.
• Treatment Response and Side Effects: Documentation of medication side effects, therapy adherence, and reasons for any treatment changes or gaps.
• Longitudinal Consistency: Records showing the persistence and trajectory of symptoms over time.

Deadlines and Good Cause

Strict timeliness rules protect both you and the integrity of the process. If you miss a deadline, you may still proceed if you establish good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911. Provide a written explanation and any supporting documentation (e.g., hospitalization records, proof of delayed receipt of mail). Always keep copies of everything you submit and note the date of submission.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Connecticut Claimants

How to Find Your Local SSA Office

Connecticut residents are served by multiple SSA field offices throughout the state. Office locations and services change over time, so rely on SSA’s official Office Locator to find the most current address, phone, and hours for the office nearest you by ZIP code.

Use the SSA Office Locator: Find Your Local Social Security Office- SSA National Number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

Hearing scheduling for Connecticut cases is coordinated by SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations. Hearings may be held in person within the state or conducted by phone or video, depending on your case and scheduling.

Submitting and Managing Your Appeal

• Online Appeals: File reconsiderations and hearing requests online through SSA’s website. This can be convenient if travel is difficult.
• Evidence Submission: Upload records directly when available, and confirm they appear in your electronic file. If in doubt, also mail or hand-deliver to your local office and retain proof.
• Prepare for the Hearing: Practice testimony about your symptoms, daily activities, and limitations. Bring an updated medication list and any new records. Ensure compliance with the five-day evidence rule (20 C.F.R. § 404.935).

Connecticut Context

Connecticut falls under SSA’s Boston Region, which administers SSDI and SSI operations for New England states, including Connecticut. Initial and reconsideration determinations are made by Connecticut’s DDS working in partnership with SSA under federal regulations. Your medical records from Connecticut providers (e.g., primary care and specialty clinics, hospital systems, and behavioral health providers) will be central to your claim. While Connecticut’s economy and labor markets vary by county, SSA’s Step 5 analysis focuses on work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy under the regulations, rather than strictly local job openings.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Appeal

• Map Your Case to Each Step: For each step of 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520, write down your strongest facts and evidence. Where is your case weakest? Plan how to fill those gaps.
• Pinpoint Onset and Duration: Document the date your disability began and evidence showing continuous impairment for at least 12 months (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)).
• Treating Source Statements: Ask providers to explain functional limits in work terms: time off-task, absenteeism, need to elevate legs, need for unscheduled breaks, limited public interaction, etc.
• Track Side Effects: Keep a log of medication side effects, especially those affecting concentration, balance, or alertness.
• Daily Activity Reports: Be consistent. Activities of daily living do not equal sustained work capacity; explain how you pace, rest, or take longer than typical to complete tasks.
• Vocational Expert (VE) Prep: If a VE testifies, be ready to address transferable skills, how limitations erode the job base, and whether job numbers reflect your limitations.
• Preserve Issues: If the ALJ excludes evidence or applies an incorrect legal standard, note the objection to preserve it for Appeals Council and court review (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)).

Frequently Asked Questions for Connecticut SSDI Claimants

How long do I have to appeal my SSDI denial?

Generally 60 days from when you receive the notice, and SSA presumes you receive it 5 days after the date on the notice. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909(a)(1), 404.933(b)(1), 404.968(a)(1), and 20 C.F.R. § 404.901.

Can I submit new evidence on appeal?

Yes. You should submit new, material, and time-relevant evidence as early as possible. At the hearing level, observe the five-day evidence rule (20 C.F.R. § 404.935) unless you can show good cause.

Do I need a Connecticut attorney?

You may represent yourself or appoint a representative. Many claimants benefit from a Connecticut-based attorney who understands SSA practice and can meet with you locally. Representation is governed by 42 U.S.C. § 406 and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705–404.1720.

Will SSA consider my age and work history?

Yes. At Step 5, SSA applies vocational factors and may use the Medical-Vocational Guidelines in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 2, in combination with your RFC.

What if I miss a deadline?

Request an extension and explain why you missed it. SSA can find good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911 in appropriate circumstances. Do not delay—act as soon as possible.

How to Start Your Appeal Today

• Mark Your Deadline: Count 60 days from the date you received your denial notice, adding the 5-day mailing presumption per 20 C.F.R. § 404.901.
• File for Reconsideration: Do this online or at your nearest SSA office without delay. Include updated records.
• Request Records: Ask all providers for complete, itemized records and radiology images/reports.
• Obtain Provider Opinions: Secure detailed medical-source statements about functional limits.
• Plan for Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, request an ALJ hearing within 60 days (20 C.F.R. § 404.933(b)(1)) and track the five-day evidence rule (20 C.F.R. § 404.935).

Key Links for Connecticut SSDI Appeals

SSA: How to Appeal a DecisionSSA Office Locator (Find a Local Office by ZIP)eCFR: 20 C.F.R. Part 404 (Disability Insurance)Social Security Act § 423(d): Definition of DisabilitySocial Security Act § 405(g): Judicial Review

Local SSA Office Information for Connecticut

SSA serves Connecticut residents through multiple field offices statewide. For accurate, up-to-date locations, hours, and contact details, use SSA’s Office Locator by entering your ZIP code. You can also call the national SSA line for assistance with scheduling or to request accommodations:

Office Locator: Find Your Local Social Security Office- SSA National Number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

When visiting a Connecticut field office, bring a photo ID and any documents SSA requested. Many services are also available online, which can be helpful if travel is difficult due to your medical condition.

Checklist: What Strong Appeals Include

• Timely appeal filings at every stage (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.933, 404.968; 20 C.F.R. § 422.210).
• Comprehensive medical records from all treating sources.
• Medical-source statements detailing functional limitations tied to work activities.
• Evidence submitted or identified at least 5 business days before the ALJ hearing (20 C.F.R. § 404.935) or a good-cause explanation.
• A written brief mapping evidence to the five-step analysis and any applicable Listings.
• Preparation for VE testimony and challenges to job numbers or transferable skills when appropriate.

Your Rights Matter

SSDI is a federal insurance benefit you paid for through your work and FICA contributions. If you cannot work due to a severe impairment that meets the 12-month duration requirement, federal law protects your right to pursue benefits—even after a denial. By following the appeals process, meeting deadlines, and presenting clear, consistent medical evidence, many Connecticut claimants succeed on appeal.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney about your specific situation.

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