Request for Reconsideration-Appeal Explained

A Social Security disability request for reconsideration appeal refers to the process by which an individual requests a review of a decision made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding their disability claim. When a person applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and their initial application is denied, they have the option to appeal the decision.

The first step in the appeal process is the request for reconsideration. To initiate this step, the applicant must submit a written request to the SSA within a specified timeframe (usually 60 days from the date of receiving the denial letter). In this request, the individual explains why they believe the initial decision was incorrect and provides any additional evidence or documentation to support their claim.

Once the request for reconsideration is submitted, the SSA will assign a new examiner who was not involved in the original decision to review the case. The examiner will evaluate the application, along with any new evidence provided, and reconsider the decision made in the initial determination. They will conduct a thorough review of the medical and non-medical aspects of the case.

After the review is completed, the SSA will send a written notice to the applicant with the outcome of the reconsideration appeal. There are three possible outcomes:

1. Approval: If the reconsideration results in an approval, the applicant will start receiving disability benefits. The process ends here.

2. Denial: If the reconsideration results in a denial, the applicant still has the option to pursue further appeal by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

3. No Change: In some cases, the reconsideration may result in the decision remaining the same as the initial determination. If this happens, the applicant can proceed to the next stage of the appeals process, which is the hearing before an ALJ.

It's important to note that the appeal process can be lengthy, often taking several months or even years to reach a final decision. It's advisable to consult with an attorney or a representative with experience in Social Security disability claims to guide you through the process and improve your chances of success.