[NY] How can I appeal Social Security's denial of my daughter's SSI claim?


If Social Security denied your daughter’s SSI claim based only on their own doctor’s evaluation and never looked at her treating doctor’s records, that’s a strong argument in your favor. The law requires them to consider all relevant medical evidence, especially from treating physicians who know the person best (20 C.F.R. § 416.913(a)).
Plus, bipolar depression often involves severe limitations in mood stability, concentration, and ability to function day-to-day. So if you can show that with records, therapist notes, hospitalizations, or school difficulties, you’ve got a solid basis to argue that they didn’t fully consider her condition. It really sounds like the system shortchanged her, and the appeal is your shot to correct that.
Here are three steps you should take next:
- Request the appeal (reconsideration) officially through the SSA. You can start here: SSA Appeal Page
- Gather all relevant medical records from her treating doctors, therapists, or hospitals and submit them with the appeal — don’t assume they’ll get them on their own.
- Write a detailed statement (or get help doing it) explaining how her bipolar disorder affects her daily life. Include real-life examples of her struggles, mood swings, or how it limits her ability to function, attend school, or hold a routine.
Full Conversation

Hi good afternoon. My daughter has bipolar depression and suffers from bad moods. I applied for SSI, they denied her case so I'm requesting an appeal.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's struggles with bipolar depression. Have you already submitted the appeal for her SSI denial?

I have not submitted yet.

Can you provide any details on why her SSI application was denied in the first place?

It’s saying her medical condition does not qualify.

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with her medical condition.

No. They didn’t take her doctor info. They only used their doctor.

Hey there! Welcome to AskaLawyer. I'm Legal Eagle, an attorney with many years of experience, and I'm here to help you.

Did you already submit an appeal to the SSA?

No.

Thanks for letting me know. Could you please tell me which state you're in? Also, do you have any documentation or specific reasons provided by the SSA for denying your daughter's SSI application?

New York.

Understood! Now that I have this info, what is your legal question for me?

I took her to their doctor. They didn’t ask for her doctor info. And sent us a letter stating she didn’t meet their qualifications.

Understood! So you're just wondering what it is you can do here, correct?

They said we can appeal.

Ok, I've got what you're getting at here! Were there any other facts you'd like to add before I answer your question?

No, that's it.

I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.

If Social Security denied your daughter’s SSI claim based only on their own doctor’s evaluation and never looked at her treating doctor’s records, that’s a strong argument in your favor. The law requires them to consider all relevant medical evidence, especially from treating physicians who know the person best (20 C.F.R. § 416.913(a)).
Plus, bipolar depression often involves severe limitations in mood stability, concentration, and ability to function day-to-day. So if you can show that with records, therapist notes, hospitalizations, or school difficulties, you’ve got a solid basis to argue that they didn’t fully consider her condition. It really sounds like the system shortchanged her, and the appeal is your shot to correct that.
Here are three steps you should take next:
- Request the appeal (reconsideration) officially through the SSA. You can start here: SSA Appeal Page
- Gather all relevant medical records from her treating doctors, therapists, or hospitals and submit them with the appeal — don’t assume they’ll get them on their own.
- Write a detailed statement (or get help doing it) explaining how her bipolar disorder affects her daily life. Include real-life examples of her struggles, mood swings, or how it limits her ability to function, attend school, or hold a routine.

Does that help clarify things? I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything out.

Thank you, will do.

For sure! Did I thoroughly address your question? Did I provide top-tier service to you? If the answer is no to either, please let me know so I can help!

Yes, you are very helpful.

You bet. I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Thank you for trusting AskaLawyer with your question.