Receiving a denial of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is stressful at any time of year, and when it happens during the holidays, it can feel overwhelming. You may be trying to manage family obligations, travel, and end-of-year finances. Yet, the Social Security Administration still expects you to meet strict deadlines and follow detailed appeal procedures.
The good news is that a denial is not the end of your claim. Most SSDI cases are initially denied, but many are later approved on appeal, especially when the applicant has received legal guidance. Below is a clear, practical overview of how SSDI appeals work, how holiday schedules can affect your deadlines, and when to reach out to Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for help
Understanding SSDI and the Appeal Process
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal benefit program that pays a monthly income to people who:
- Have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough.
- Live with a physical or mental impairment.
- Cannot perform substantial gainful work for at least 12 months or are expected to die from the condition.
A denial letter does not mean Social Security believes you are exaggerating or that your condition is not serious. It usually means the agency believes one of the legal requirements is not met, for example:
- They think you can still do some type of work.
- They did not receive enough medical records.
- They believe your condition will improve within 12 months.
- They found that you do not have enough recent work credit.
You have the right to appeal, and the appeal process usually includes several levels.
- Reconsideration.
- Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
- Appeals Council review.
- Federal court review.
Most people start by appealing to the reconsideration level. This first appeal has a strict deadline, even if your deadline falls during the holiday season.
Appeal Deadlines That Still Apply During the Holidays
In most SSDI cases, you must file your appeal within 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter. Social Security assumes you receive the letter 5 days after the date printed on it, unless you can show you got it later. This means you usually have 65 days from the date on the letter
The calendar does not pause for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, or other holidays. If your deadline falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, Social Security generally treats the next business day as the last day to file. However, mailing delays and office closures can still create problems, especially in late November and December
To protect your claim:
- Read the date on your denial letter as soon as you receive it.
- Calculate your deadline and write it down in several places.
- Try to submit your appeal well before the last day.
In some situations, Social Security may accept a late appeal if you have “good cause” for missing the deadline, such as a serious illness or documented mail problems; however, convincing the agency to excuse a late filing can be difficult. It is much safer to file on time
Special Challenges of Appealing During the Holiday Season
Appealing an SSDI denial over the holidays brings unique hurdles
- Shortened office hours and closures: Local Social Security offices may be closed on federal holidays and may have reduced hours around those dates.
- Mail delays: Postal service volume rises during November and December, which can slow down delivery of both your appeal and necessary forms from SSA.
- Doctors’ offices and hospitals on limited schedules: You may have trouble scheduling appointments, getting updated medical records, or reaching your providers for statements that support your disability.
- Increased stress and family responsibilities: Holiday travel, caregiving, and financial strain can make it harder to stay organized and focused on legal paperwork.
Planning and getting help early can reduce the risk that seasonal issues will cause you to miss a deadline or submit incomplete information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Appealing an SSDI Denial
- Read the Denial Letter Carefully: Your denial letter explains why your claim was denied and what appeal level applies next. Look for:
- The date on the letter.
- The appeal deadline.
- The specific reasons, like “we believe you can still do your past work” or “your condition is not severe enough.”
Understanding these reasons helps you and your attorney target the evidence that will matter most
- Mark and Work Backwards From Your Deadline: Once you know your appeal deadline:
- Mark it on a calendar.
- Set reminder alerts a few weeks and a few days before that date.
- Aim to file at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid holiday closures and mail delays.
- Choose Your Filing Method: You can usually file your SSDI appeal
- Nnline at the Social Security website.
- By mail to the address listed on your denial letter.
- In person at your local Social Security office during business hours.
During the holidays, online filing or early in-person filing can help you avoid last-minute complications
- Submit the Appeal Form: For a first appeal, use the Request for Reconsideration. You will also complete a Disability Report – Appeal, which asks about:
- New medical treatment.
- Changes in your condition.
- Updated work history.
Provide complete, accurate, and consistent information. If anything is confusing or unclear to you, a Boston SSDI lawyer from Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers can assist with preparing and reviewing these forms
- Gather Strong Supporting Evidence: Successful SSDI appeals often include additional evidence such as:
- Updated medical records and test results.
- Detailed treatment notes from specialists.
- Statements from doctors explaining why you cannot work full-time.d
- Statements from family, friends, or former employers who see how your condition affects you.
Ask your providers early for records and letters, especially in November and December, when many offices close or operate with limited staff
- Prepare for the Possibility of a Hearing: Many reconsideration appeals are also denied, and the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You do not need to wait for another denial to speak with an attorney; in fact, early legal help can improve both the reconsideration and the hearing stages.
Real World Holiday Appeal Examples
Maria’s On Time Appeal
Maria, a retail worker in Massachusetts, received a denial letter dated December 12. She felt discouraged and wanted to “deal with it after the holidays.” A friend encouraged her to call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers right away. Our legal team calculated her deadline, helped her file the Request for Reconsideration online before New Year’s, and obtained updated records from her orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. Because her appeal was timely and well supported, Social Security eventually approved her benefits at the hearing stage, and she received back pay for the months she had been unable to work.
James and the Late Appeal
James, who has severe depression, received a denial just before Thanksgiving. He set the letter aside while traveling to visit family and missed his appeal deadline in January. When he finally reached out for help, our attorneys investigated whether “good cause” to excuse the late filing. We gathered evidence of his hospitalization during the holidays and documentation showing mail problems at his apartment complex.
Although each case is different and results can never be guaranteed, this type of evidence can sometimes persuade SSA to accept a late appeal. James’ story shows how easily deadlines can slip during the holidays and why acting quickly is so important.
When You Should Hire an SSDI Lawyer
You are allowed to appeal an SSDI denial on your own; however, many people find the rules and forms confusing, especially while they are coping with serious health problems. You should strongly consider hiring a lawyer if:
- Your denial arrives close to or during the holiday season, and you are worried about missing deadlines.
- You have been denied at multiple levels before.
- Your medical condition is complex, for example, involving both physical and mental health issues.
- You are unsure what evidence Social Security needs.
- English is not your first language, or reading and writing are difficult because of your condition.
- You feel overwhelmed by paperwork and phone calls.
An SSDI attorney does not just fill out forms; the lawyer protects your rights, manages deadlines, and presents your case in the most persuasive way possible.
How Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers Helps With SSDI Appeals
When you contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers about an SSDI denial, especially during the holidays, our team can:
- Review your denial letter and explain it in plain language.
- Calculate your exact appeal deadline and create a plan to meet it.
- Help you complete the Request for Reconsideration and Disability Report accurately.
- Obtain medical records and coordinate with your doctors for detailed statements.
- Identify missing or inconsistent information that may have led to the denial.
- Prepare you for hearings and represent you before the Administrative Law Judge.
- Communicate with Social Security on your behalf so you don’t spend hours on hold or worry about what to say.
In most SSDI cases, attorney fees are contingent on winning and are subject to limits set by federal law. That means you do not pay attorney fees upfront, and you only pay if back benefits are awarded. Our office can explain the fee structure clearly during your free consultation.
Practical Holiday Checklist for SSDI Appeals
To stay on track during the holiday season:
- Open and read every letter from Social Security as soon as it arrives.
- Write down the date on the letter and your appeal deadline.
- Contact an SSDI attorney as early as possible.
- Decide how you will file, online, by mail, or in person, and prepare accordingly.
- Request medical records and doctor statements before offices close for holidays.
- Keep copies of everything you submit, along with proof of mailing or online confirmation numbers.
- Continue all recommended medical treatment when medically possible, since gaps can hurt your case.
Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a Free SSDI Appeal Consultation
An SSDI denial during the holidays can feel like a heavy weight on you and your family. You should not have to face strict deadlines, complex forms, and legal arguments alone, especially while you are trying to recover your health.
If you received a denial of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or if you are worried about missing an appeal deadline over the holidays, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today. Our team can review your situation, explain your options, and help you protect your right to the benefits you have worked for.
Call our office or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable SSDI attorney. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your health and your family during the holiday season and beyond.