How to Submit a Reconsideration Appeal for Social Security Disability Benefits
Are you looking for tips on submitting a reconsideration appeal for Social Security disability benefits?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
In today’s video, we will discuss creating a compelling request for reconsideration appeal in your pursuit of Social Security disability benefits.
Step 1: File on Time
To submit a compelling request for reconsideration appeal if your Social Security disability claim was denied, you first want to make sure that you’re filing on time.
You have:
- 60 days from the date of the denial
- Plus an additional 5 days for mailing
to file a request for reconsideration in a timely manner. Missing this deadline may require you to start the application process over from the beginning.
Step 2: Submit the Proper Paperwork
When you submit your appeal, you’ll want to make sure you’re submitting the proper paperwork, including:
- The Social Security Request for Reconsideration form
- An Adult Disability Report
- An Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration
That authorization allows the SSA to obtain your medical records.
Step 3: Add New Evidence
You’ll also want to submit any new medical records, test results, or evidence that has emerged since your initial application.
When possible:
- Ask your doctor to provide a detailed letter explaining your conditions, limitations, and the impact they have on your ability to work.
You may also want to draft a clear and thorough letter explaining why you disagree with the denial. In this letter, you can:
- Describe your medical condition
- List your symptoms
- Explain the ways your condition prevents you from working
Step 4: Help SSA Access Missing Records
Be sure to notate any providers that Social Security was unable to obtain records from in the initial decision to help ensure they get those records during the reconsideration appeal.
If you have those medical records or can easily get them, you may want to send a copy (not the only copy or the original) to Social Security to allow them to review your claim a little bit more expeditiously.
Step 5: Consider Legal Representation
You may want to consider legal representation.
Hiring a Social Security disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of approval. An experienced attorney can:
- Collect evidence
- Complete paperwork
- Write a persuasive appeal
- Represent you at the hearing before an administrative law judge if your reconsideration is denied
Step 6: Review the Denial Letter
Before filing your reconsideration appeal, you may want to review the reasons that were given in the initial denial letter and directly address any:
- Missing information, or
- Evidence that was lacking in the original claim
While the denial letters are not often very detailed, they do provide some insight into the agency’s thinking and understanding of your claim.
Thanks so much for watching!
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
