The application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be complicated and time-consuming. Additionally, most applicants feel hopeless after they get denied benefits. So, is it worth it to apply for a reconsideration?
It is always recommended to apply for reconsideration in case your SSDI application gets denied. Applying for reconsideration can provide you with plenty of opportunity to address any gaps in your initial application that led to the denial of your benefits.
In this article, we will go into detail about why it is definitely worth it to apply for reconsideration.
What is SSDI Reconsideration?
If you submit an application for disability benefits and the Social Security Administration rejects it, you have the option of requesting that they reconsider their decision by reviewing your application again.
Your request for reconsideration must be made within 60 days after the date of your denial.
Reconsiderations are quite common since more than 70% of people who apply for disability benefits receive a rejection the first time.
Reconsideration is the first step in the appeals process. If that too is rejected, you will have the option to seek a hearing before a judge in the second stage of the appeal process.
The process is the same regardless of whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Should You Apply for SSDI Reconsideration?
Whatever the specifics of your case may be, it is always recommended to appeal your SSDI benefits decision. Following are some of the reasons why you should:
You Have a Disability
If your medical condition qualifies as a “disability,” according to the Social Security Administration, then you are undoubtedly encountering major challenges in your daily life. The Social Security Disability Insurance program was developed to assist individuals in that exact position.
The Division of Disability Determinations is responsible for deciding whether your condition qualifies as a “disability” according to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards. It is possible that the division simply made a mistake in its findings, which can be rectified if you provide information that is both thorough and precise while appealing the decision.
You Require Benefits to Survive
You probably decided to apply for SSDI benefits for a specific reason. You might be losing a lot of money every month or even be unable to work altogether because of your disability. After all, SSDI benefits are only available to those with monthly incomes of $1,550 or less. In such a situation, receiving financial assistance through SSDI can be essential to surviving.
According to the SSA, the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for blind individuals in 2024 is $2,590. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2024 is $1,550.
SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits.
You Have a Deadline to Appeal
Filing a request for reconsideration is the initial step in appealing a denial of SSDI benefits. This is a formal request to have your case reviewed by a separate group of disability determination examiners.
The SSA provides you with a limited timeline to file a reconsideration request. You have up to 65 days to appeal for your benefits. Once this deadline has passed, your appeals request may be denied, and you may be required to reapply from scratch.
However, you still have the option to apply for an extension. This request necessitates the establishment of “good cause” as to why the appeal deadline was not met.
There are several possible explanations, such as the SSA providing you with incorrect information or your inability to act promptly due to factors such as your mental health, lack of knowledge, language barriers, or physical limitations.
You Can Provide Additional Evidence
The request for reconsideration is an opportunity to re-submit your benefits application with new evidence.
For example, you can provide additional medical documentation that proves your mental or physical impairment qualifies as a “disability” according to the Social Security Administration’s standards. Additionally, you can submit documentation from your previous employment proving that you are unable to perform the duties of your previous position or any relevant occupation.
You must provide the Division of Disability Determinations with all of the requested information before they can decide on your claim.
You May Get Approval
Depending on the information that you give during the reconsideration stage, it is possible that your claim may ultimately be approved, and you will be able to begin receiving the benefits that are rightfully yours.
Even if your claim is denied at the reconsideration level, you still have other options for appealing, such as requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Should I Appeal or Reapply?
It is more beneficial to appeal a denial rather than reapply for disability benefits since, should you be successful, you would receive more back pay. Social Security back pay benefits represent the payments that the federal government owes you for the duration it took to process your application. Both SSI and SSDI will calculate some or all of your back pay based on the date that you file for benefits.
To put it another way, the earlier your application date is, the greater the amount of back pay you will receive in addition to your initial benefits check. Therefore, you risk losing out on more money that is rightfully yours if you choose to start over rather than file an appeal.
On top of that, you’ll have to start the application process all over again—which can take months—if you don’t appeal or proceed to the hearing. Simply waiting for a ruling on your reconsideration alone can take up to a year.
Chances of Winning an SSDI Reconsideration
Unfortunately, the likelihood of being approved at the reconsideration level is low.
Statistics from the SSA reveal that more than 90% of reconsiderations are rejected. On the other hand, you can appeal a denial, and the next stage has a significantly higher chance of approval.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve received a denial notice of your SSDI benefits, it’s time to start preparing for a reconsideration request. However, before you do that, make sure to gather all your medical evidence and additional supporting documentation so that the SSA can arrive at the desired decision this time around.
