What is “reconsideration”?
When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied at the initial level, the claimant may then request a further review. At this time that review is called “reconsideration.” The case is then sent to a different disability examiner at the same disability agency for “second look” and more development as he/she deems it necessary. Reconsideration approvals are rare, causing the Social Security Administration to rethink this step in the appeals process. In many states Reconsideration has already been eliminated and cases go directly to administrative hearing. Currently, the Social Security Administration has announced that Reconsideration will be replaced with a new process. That is now being phased in nationally wherein a federal reviewing officer, outside the state disability determination agency will review claims.
When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied at the initial level, the claimant may then request “reconsideration” of that decision. Case is then sent to a different disability examiner for a new decision. Unfortunately, about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision.
This first appeal is sent to reconsideration. Again, the case is reviewed by a worker for Social Security, not a Judge. And consequently, as at initial application, there are few cases that get approved at this stage of the claims process. The majority of cases are again denied. And if you are denied, you still have only 60 days, to file and appeal for a hearing. The reconsideration phase normally takes 6 9 months.
When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied at the initial level, the claimant usually must request “reconsideration” of that decision to start the appeal process. The case is then sent to a different disability examiner for a new decision. Unfortunately, about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision – a denial.
When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied at the initial level, the claimant may then request “reconsideration” of that decision. The case is then sent to a different disability examiner for a new decision. Unfortunately, about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision – a denial.
