After you submit your initial Social Security Disability Application it is very common to be denied. If you disagree with the denial you have a right to appeal, which is called a request for reconsideration, but must follow specific guidelines.

What is Reconsideration?

Social Security Disability Reconsideration is the appeal after an initial denial. At this stage your file is completely reviewed by someone who has no part in the first decision on your file. That person will look at all the prior evidence and review any new evidence you provide as well.

You Have 60 Days to File an Appeal

The 60 days start the day after you get the letter, and SSA assumes you received the notice 5 days after the date on the letter unless you can show it was not received within the 5 day period. If the final day of an appeal deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or national holiday it is extended until the next business day. If you file after the 60 days you must show you had a good reason for missing the deadline.

You Must Request an Appeal in Writing

You have to ask for an appeal in writing, either sending in the Request for Reconsideration and Disability Report Appeal or by submitting the request online. If you do not have these forms you can call 1-800-772-1213 or go to the SSA website and do a search for them. I have links below as well.

Additional Resources

If you have questions you can contact SSA at 800-772-1213.