If you have a disability claim pending with the Social Security Administration, please make the following New Year's resolution: 

    I will appeal my claim immediately if it is denied.

Although you have 60 days to appeal a denied claim, there is no reason to wait. I speak with people almost every week who did not appeal their denied claims within 60 days, and then had to start over by reapplying for Social Security disability benefits.

If you receive a denial letter in the mail, it is a good time to talk with a disability lawyer about your options. But please be sure to appeal that denial right away.