In theory, the basic standards for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are simple to understand. The medical condition should be severe enough to impair someone’s daily function and prevent painful employment. It also needs to last for 12 months or longer. Beyond that, the adult applying needs to have accrued enough credits over their career through payroll contributions to qualify for benefits.
Many people who believe they qualify receive disappointing news from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after submitting their claims. They receive a rejection notice instead of an approval letter. They will need to appeal to connect with benefits, and a significant portion of SSDI recipients actually secure approval upon appeal rather than with their initial application.
The SSA has multiple levels of appeal available to ensure the fair treatment of applicants. The first stage of an SSDI appeal is a reconsideration. How do you prepare for a reconsideration when you have yet to qualify for benefits?
Review your rejection notice
The documents provided by the SSA should clarify for you how to prepare for your appeal. Going over that letter with an attorney can help you determine the right steps to take.
Technical mistakes are very easy to correct with the right guidance, while inadequate medical evidence may require a bit more effort. You may need to undergo additional evaluations or obtain copies of documents from different healthcare providers. Properly conveying the impact of your condition is crucial to your success. Applicants should never assume that a diagnosis alone will suffice.
Reconsideration is an internal process that involves another SSA employee reviewing your application. Although they will review your original application, you do have the option of submitting new evidence, which could improve your chances of a successful claim. The more medical evidence you have affirming the severity of your condition, its impact on your daily life and how long it will persist, the easier it will be for you to convince the worker that you should qualify for benefits.
Applicants need to understand the basic rules and also what to expect from the claims and appeals processes. Learning more about how to prepare for a reconsideration will increase your chances of a successful SSDI appeal.
