For many disabled people, being denied the first time is not the end of the story – it’s almost part of the process. This page is about:
- What a denial or negative decision is
- Why it happens so often
- Basic steps for challenging decisions
- Ways to protect yourself and your mental health during the process
Because laws differ by country, this page uses general principles and should be expanded with country-specific sections.
Examples:
- Your application for a benefit (SSDI, SSI, PIP, DSP, etc.) is rejected.
- Your benefit is reduced or stopped after a review.
- You are told you were “overpaid” and must repay money.
- A claim for medical coverage, equipment, or service is refused.
- A housing or caregiving program says you’re “not eligible.”
All of these are decisions that often have formal appeal processes, even when the letter makes it sound final.
Patterns across countries:
- Systems are designed to filter people out.
- Assessments rely on snapshots, checklists, and stereotypes.
- Paperwork is dense and deadlines are strict.
- Agencies save money by denying first and paying only when people fight back.
None of this means your claim is wrong or that your needs aren’t real.
Exact terms differ (reconsideration, review, mandatory reconsideration, internal appeal, tribunal, etc.), but common steps:
-
Read the letter carefully
- Note the reason given for the decision.
- Write down the deadline to appeal (often short).
-
Request the next level of review
- Follow instructions in the letter (phone, online, form, written request).
- Do this even if you plan to get help later – preserving the deadline is critical.
-
Gather evidence
- Medical records, letters from providers, school or work documentation, support letters from people who know you, functional impact descriptions, etc.
- Focus on what the law or program says is required (e.g., inability to work, need for assistance, limitations in daily activities).
-
Get help if possible
- Legal aid, disability rights organizations, welfare rights advisors, advocacy groups, or peer advocates.
- Some countries have formal benefits advisors or welfare rights services.
-
Prepare for hearings (if applicable)
- Many systems offer or require hearings or tribunals.
- You may be able to attend remotely, request accommodations, or have a representative.
Sometimes agencies say you were paid too much and must repay money. Important points:
- Overpayments are often caused by system errors, delays, or confusing rules.
- In some countries, you can request waivers, reductions, or hardship relief.
- It may be worth appealing both the overpayment decision and any collection actions.
See also: /benefits/debt-budgeting-financial-rights
¶ Mental Health and Survival During Appeals
Appeals can be:
- Slow
- Stressful
- Dehumanizing
- Financially devastating
Some ways people cope:
- Seeking support from disability communities, peer groups, and trusted friends.
- Setting boundaries around how much time/energy to spend on paperwork in a day.
- Asking others to help with phone calls, forms, or organization.
- Recognizing that denial is often systemic, not a personal failure.
This page is meant to link to country or program-specific appeal guides, for example:
- U.S.: SSDI/SSI appeals, Medicaid fair hearings, SNAP appeals, housing hearings
- UK: Mandatory reconsideration and tribunal processes
- Canada: CPP-D appeals, provincial tribunal systems
- Australia: Centrelink and NDIS review/appeal processes
- Other countries: local welfare tribunals, ombudsman mechanisms, human rights complaints
As you contribute, please:
- Use plain language to explain each step.
- Add example timelines and deadlines (with dates or “as of YEAR” notes).
- Link to forms, guides, or organizations that can help people navigate appeals.
No one should have to face these systems alone.