How do you appeal a denial of Social Security benefits? Reconsideration process explained
Receiving a denial for Social Security benefits can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the end of your journey. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a process called Reconsideration, which allows you to request a review of the decision if you believe it was made in error.
When your application for Social Security benefits is denied, you will receive a denial notice from the SSA explaining why your claim was rejected. This document is crucial because it outlines the reasons for the denial, whether it’s due to insufficient medical evidence, not meeting eligibility criteria, or another issue. It’s important to carefully review the notice to understand what factors led to the decision.
Once you’ve reviewed the notice and are prepared to appeal, you can begin the Reconsideration process.
The reconsideration request
Reconsideration is the first step in appealing a Social Security benefits denial. During this stage, the SSA will review your claim again, often by considering new evidence or re-evaluating the original materials you submitted.
To initiate the reconsideration process, you must submit your request within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. You can do this in a few different ways. First, if you have an active my Social Security account, you can easily request reconsideration through the SSA website.
Alternatively, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and request reconsideration over the phone. If you prefer, you can fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and send it to the SSA. This form is available on the SSA website or can be requested by calling the SSA.
When you submit your request, be sure to include any new information that may support your claim. This could include medical records, statements from your doctor, or other relevant documentation. The more detailed and relevant the evidence, the better your chances of a favorable outcome during reconsideration.
After submitting your request for reconsideration, the SSA will begin reviewing your case again. They will re-examine the documents you originally submitted, as well as any new information you have provided. In some cases, the SSA may reach out to you to request additional documentation or clarification to help support your claim.