Tips For Success With SSDI/SSI Reconsideration
If you recently applied for benefits under the federal Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI) disability programs, there is a good chance you will receive unpleasant news. A Social Security Administration (SSA) report reveals that around less than one-third of applications are approved at the initial application stage, so you could be forced to take next steps to obtain disability benefits. In Maryland, the first stage after being denied benefits is requesting reconsideration, which is a very specific process for re-assessing your SSDI/SSI application.
Unfortunately, getting approved at the reconsideration stages is also quite rare. Still, you can improve your chances by working with a Maryland Social Security disability lawyer who can guide you and help with some tips for success on disability reconsideration.
Make Sure Your Paperwork is Solid
Reconsideration is similar to filing your original application, but there are two key differences:
- There will be a different panel reviewing the information you submit; and
- You will be allowed to submit additional medical evidence to support your claim for disability.
As a result, you have an opportunity to correct issues for the new set of eyes that will be reviewing your documentation. You will need to meticulously analyze paperwork to ensure it is complete and free from the errors that may have prevented approval on your original application.
Include Any Additional Medical Evidence
One new form that you present to SSA will be your Reconsideration Report, where you aim to provide information needed to get approval. There may be additional medical records related to a diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis, and these details may fill the evidentiary void that led to the first denial. As a practical matter, you will probably not succeed with reconsideration if you do not have additional medical evidence. Officials need sufficient support to overrule the original denial.
File Your Documents According to SSA Deadlines
You have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration after being rejected, and the clock starts to run the date you receive word from SSA. While this may sound like a long time, it is crucial to get started with reconsideration right away. The sooner you submit additional information, the sooner SSA may be able to reconsider and approve disability benefits. Alternatively, SSA may re-affirm the denial – which means you can get started on other steps in the disability appeals process.
Retain a Maryland SSDI/SSI Attorney for Help Navigating Reconsideration
This final tip is perhaps the most important, as you have a greater chance of getting approval on reconsideration if you have a lawyer representing you. An attorney can bolster your initial application by submitting additional information and medical details, and will ensure you do not miss the 60-day deadline with SSA.
Our team at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience with all stages of disability appeals, so please contact us to learn how we can help. We can schedule a free case review to evaluate your circumstances and determine the best strategy for getting the disability benefits you deserve.
Resource:
ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/index.html
