If Your Application for Disability Benefits has been Denied, Ask SSA to Reconsider

You’ve completed your initial application for Social Security Disability Benefits feeling pretty confident you will be approved. After all, you can’t work – you haven’t for a very long time – and your doctors have supported your decision to apply for disability benefits.

Three months later, you get the news. Your application has been denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA), based on the medical information you provided, has determined that you do not qualify for disability benefits. You may not even have a clear understanding as to why they think you are not eligible for the benefits you feel entitled to. After all, you have a substantial work history and have paid into the Social Security system. Retirement is still a long way off. You need these benefits to help replace income you can no longer earn.  How do you get SSA to reconsider their decision? You can do just that – send them a notice of reconsideration.

Ask for Reconsideration within 60 Days of Initial Denial of Benefits

To request reconsideration, you must do it in writing and you must send it to SSA within 60 days after the date you received your letter of denial. This is the first step in the administrative review process to appeal SSA’s decision. The reconsideration step provides you with the opportunity to explain why you are dissatisfied with SSA’s decision.  You can also add information that was not in your initial application.

Reconsideration Provides a New Review of Your Disability Application

Your case will be reviewed by a Social Security employee who was not part of the initial determination process. This review takes place at a State Disability Determination Services office.

State Disability Determination Services (DDS) are state agencies. These agencies are funded by the federal government and are responsible for developing and reviewing medical evidence to determine if a claimant meets SSA’s definition of disability.

Your case will be thoroughly reviewed again. The process is totally independent from the initial one.  When a new determination is made on your case, you will be notified in writing of the decision.

This is a Crucial Time to Reconsider Your Options

This is how the reconsideration process works. However, you do stand the risk of a second denial. There are options available to you.  Instead of asking SSA on your own to reconsider your case, get an expert Advocate or Disability Attorney to step in and take over. This is probably the best way to improve your chances of getting approved.  They know what DDS is looking for. They know how to gather your information. They know how to present it, and they know what to do to get you approved. Getting a professional to help you get approved on the first appeal can save you long and difficult months of waiting through further appeals.

How to Ask for Reconsideration

If you decide to continue on your own, you can request a reconsideration of your case online at SSA’s Web site.  There are two online forms to fill out; the Notice of Reconsideration, and an Appeal Disability Report that gives SSA more information about your condition. It is not mandatory to submit the Appeal Disability Report, but it does give you the chance to give SSA more supporting information to help them reevaluate your case, such as any changes that have occurred in your condition. Remember, an Advocate or Disability lawyer is astute in preparing these documents.

You can also call SSA at 800-772-1213, or call your local Social Security Office and tell them you want to request reconsideration.  An SSA representative will explain what to do. Or print out the forms from the SSA Web site and mail them to your local Social Security office.

You Tried on Your Own – Now Get the Experts to Help

You already tried applying for disability benefits on your own. If your first-time application was denied, it is a good decision to get help from experts in Social Security Disability. An experienced Advocate or Attorney will work with you to help ensure that your application is well-prepared, accurate and complete. Their expertise in the appeals process can significantly improve your chances of getting approved.