Reconsideration review has returned to the process of receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Effective April 1, the Social Security Administration required Pennsylvania to resume using reconsideration review as part of the appeals process for disability determinations. Pennsylvania and other states were allowed to abolish reconsideration review in 1999.

[uam_ad id=”54865″]

The resumption of reconsideration review will have a significant impact on the timing of the granting of disability benefits.

“Reconsideration is routinely a ratification of the original denial,” said Dischell Bartle Dooley attorney Jonathan Young. “It usually serves only to delay the hearing procedure by adding an additional step to the process.” Jon is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a multi-step process. An application for disability benefits is now first reviewed by Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination. If the Bureau finds that there is not a disability, the applicant can request a hearing before a Social Security judge. This process will change with the resumption of reconsideration.

Instead of being able to request a hearing before a judge, an appeal would have to first go through reconsideration review.

Reconsideration review does not involve any testimony from an applicant or the introduction of any new evidence. In the past, it was almost always an approval of the decision to deny disability benefits.

An applicant must wait until after reconsideration review to request a hearing before a Social Security judge.

Reconsideration review could mean a wait of 100 days before an applicant might be heard by a judge. That is added to a process that can already take up to two years.

“Reconsideration review will likely delay benefits at a time when one day means a great deal to someone in financial distress,” Jon said.

Pennsylvania eliminated reconsideration review in 1999 because it wanted to simplify the disability benefits application process. The Social Security Administration is requiring Pennsylvania and nine other states to resume the step because it wants a uniform review process.

If you have a question about reconsideration review or any aspect of the Social Security disability benefits process, call Jon at 215-362-2474.

[uam_ad id=”54875″]