CLAIMS RECONSIDERATION

In most states, if you want to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits, you have to go through reconsideration. In a few states, the Social Security Administration has abolished reconsideration and you can file an immediate request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. 

The denial notice from Social Security will tell you what the next step is that you need to take. If you do move forward with reconsideration, you should strongly consider obtaining an attorney to represent you. 

Once your request for reconsideration is submitted (usually required within 60 days of the written denial letter),  the case is then sent to a different disability examiner for a new decision.  Most of the time, the claimant does not see the disability examiner or even know his or her name.  In most cases, Social Security makes the reconsideration determination within four months. 

Unfortunately, about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision – a denial.   Don't fret. Statistically, a claimant wins at reconsideration about 20 percent of the time.   As with the application process, we strongly urge you to employ an advocate to help you as they are more knowledgeable on how Social Security works.