Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal disability program designed to provide financial support to people who can no longer work due to an injury, illness, or substantial medical impairment. Unfortunately, getting SSDI benefits can sometimes be challenging. If your initial SSDI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Reconsideration review is the first step in the SSDI appeals process. In this article, you will find a more detailed overview of the key things to know about the SSDI reconsideration reviews.
A Significant Percentage of Initial SSDI Claims are Denied
The majority of people who file for SSDI benefits have their claim denied—at least after the first round of review. According to official data from the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, only about 1 in 3 Social Security disability claims are granted initial awards. Many people who are eventually granted SSDI benefits are required to appeal a denial before getting their claim approved by the SSA.
Reconsideration is the First-Stage of the Social Security Disability Appeals Process
You have the right to appeal an SSDI denial. The initial examiner who reviews your Social Security disability claim does not have the exclusive power to render the final judgment on your case. As explained by the Social Security Administration (SSA), reconsideration is “a complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the first determination.” It is the first step in the Social Security disability appeals process.
Four Things You Need to Know About SSDI Reconsideration
It is crucial that you submit the strongest possible SSDI appeal. There are steps that you can take to increase your chances of an approval on reconsideration. Here are four key things SSDI applicants should understand about the reconsideration review process:
- Reconsideration Should Be Requested Within 60 Days: As a general rule, you have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable decision from the SSA. Be sure to submit your request for reconsideration within 60 days of the date on your SSDI denial letter.
- You Have the Right to Submit Supplemental Evidence: Although reconsideration is a second look at your claim, you still have the right to add new evidence. You can dramatically improve your odds of an SSDI approval if you make sure that your application is well-supported with up-to-date medical records.
- Reconsideration Typically Takes Three to Five Months: Every SSDI claim is different. That being said, you can generally expect the SSDI reconsideration review process to take between three months and five months.
- You Can Appeal an SSDI Denial After Reconsideration Review: Reconsideration is merely the first stage of the appeals process. If your SSDI claim is denied a second time after a reconsideration review, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Social Security disability appeals are complicated. You and your family do not have to go through the claims process alone. If you have any questions about the SSDI reconsideration process, an experienced Sarasota Social Security disability attorney can help.
