Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are an earned benefit that helps professionals who can no longer work. Those who are not old enough to retire yet but who cannot work due to medical challenges can apply for SSDI benefits.
Many SSDI applicants do not receive the response they desire. The Social Security Administration (SSA) rejects their application instead of approving it. The applicant then has to decide whether they want to appeal, reapply or explore other options. If they choose to appeal, there are multiple stages of appeals available. The first stage is a reconsideration.
What is an SSDI reconsideration?
Reconsideration is an internal process within the SSA. The rejected applicant can provide supplemental materials, including additional medical records.
They can also correct any errors they made in the initial paperwork. A different professional employed by the SSA, other than the party who initially reviewed the application, assesses everything to determine if the original rejection was inappropriate.
How often are reconsiderations successful?
The SSA provides information about the outcome of the applications and even appeal proceedings. According to information about claims made between 2010 and 2019, approximately 2% of applicants secure benefits during the reconsideration process.
Annually, approximately 10% of applicants obtain benefits through the appeals process. One out of five successful appellants obtains benefits through the reconsideration process on average each year.
Appealing unfavorable SSDI determinations can be helpful for those who cannot work because of their medical challenges. Reconsideration works for some applicants, and others may need to pursue an appeals hearing in front of a judge if they require SSDI benefits to afford their basic cost-of-living expenses.