Does The Social Security Reconsideration Take as Long As The Disability Application?If your disability claim has been denied and you are considering a reconsideration request (the first appeal), but you are not sure if you want to complete the reconsideration appeal--possibly because the disability application took so long to complete and you did not receive your decision for months--you should not be as concerned with the time issue when filing your reconsideration appeal. Reconsideration appeal paperwork is easier to complete than initial disability application paperwork. You can complete it online if you wish rather than fill out paper forms (if you decide to handle things online at the social security website, be sure to complete your online disability report and return your signed medical release to your local office). Generally, reconsideration appeals do not take as much time to develop since they are basically just an update of the initial disability claim (i.e. disability application) information. Disability examiners usually take far less time to make their decision on reconsideration appeals, because they use the information from the first disability claim and compare it with any of the new information acquired in the appeal process to make their decision. Unfortunately, reconsideration appeals have a very low approval rate according to national averages. The national approval average for reconsideration appeals is about ten to fifteen percent. The percentage is so low because the reconsideration appeal is sent back to the same state disability agency (disability determination services) for a decision; the only difference is that it goes to a different disability examiner. The disability rules and guidelines are the same, so unless there was an error on the initial disability decision, it is very unlikely that the medical decision will be overturned at the reconsideration appeal. The real importance of a reconsideration appeal for most individuals is that it is a step on the way to a disability hearing with an administrative law judge. Disability hearings result in an approval for about sixty-six percent of the disability applicants who file a request for a hearing appeal, so it is worth the time it takes to do the reconsideration appeal just to get to a disability hearing. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How much can you receive in disability backpay in North Carolina? What Happens if a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim gets Denied on a Reconsideration Appeal? The Disability reconsideration Appeal - what is it and how do you file for it? What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied? Does The Social Security Reconsideration Take as Long As The Disability Application? Does The Social Security Disability Reconsideration Have A Time Limit? How long does it take to get an answer on a Social Security Reconsideration Appeal? Disability Approval Chances at the Social Security Reconsideration and Hearing Levels What Can You Do to Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Reconsideration Gets Approved? Do Most Social Security Disability Reconsiderations Get Turned Down? The difference between an Application for disability and a Social Security Reconsideration? If you apply for disability in Virginia Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Virginia? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Virginia |
