What You Need to Do to File a Reconsideration If Your Application for SSDI Benefits Is Denied

When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI), you need to prepare yourself for the possibility that your application will be denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, many people who are eligible for SSDI benefits have this happen to them.

You should not give up or reapply for benefits. Instead, you should begin the process of appealing the denial of benefits. The first step you will need to take is to file a reconsideration of the SSA’s decision.

How Long Do You Have to File a Reconsideration?

You only have a certain amount of time to file a request for reconsideration. This deadline is 60 days from the date of the denial letter from the SSA.

If you fail to request a reconsideration within this time period, you would waive your right to appeal the SSA’s decision and would need to reapply for benefits. This would mean that it could take even longer to start receiving benefits. You could also lose a significant amount of retroactive back pay benefits that you would otherwise get.

How to File a Request for Reconsideration

You have two options for filing a request for reconsideration of an SSDI denial. You can do one of the following:

• You can go to the SSA’s website and request a reconsideration online for a medical determination.
• You can obtain the Request for Reconsideration and Disability Reports-Medical forms from the SSA, complete them, and mail them to SSA.

When you file your request for reconsideration, you should include any new information from your doctor and any new doctors and specialists you have been seeing. If you have developed new disabilities or your original ones have worsened, you should also include this when you file your reconsideration request. You may need to provide the claims adjuster with additional medical records to document changes in your medical conditions. 

You should also check on the status of your reconsideration to be certain that the SSA is reviewing your request and does not need any other information. The easiest way to do this is on their website.

Do you need help filing for SSDI benefits or filing an appeal? Call our Roswell office or start a live chat to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Social Security disability attorneys today.