"What Happens at the Initial and Reconsideration Stage?" And "Why Should I Hire an Attorney?"
By Jessica M. Friedman of Friedman Law Firm, P.C.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Today's blog comes from our paralegal, Destiny. For the last two years, Destiny has assisted our clients at the first two levels of SSA's process-- Initial and Reconsideration. Take it away Destiny!
One question that clients often ask is what the initial process looks like and how having an attorney can help so early in the process.
At the initial phase, the most important part is making sure that all records and forms from Social Security are quickly submitted. Having attorney representation ensures these documents are properly submitted with a paper trail of submission confirmations.
Typically, it takes 3‐6 months to receive a decision at the initial level. During this time frame, your records are requested by both the attorney and Social Security, reviewed by an assigned caseworker at SSA, and evaluated by a SSA medical examiner to determine eligibility. If you are denied at the initial phase, a appeal will be filed by submitting a request for Reconsideration.
The nature of the reconsideration process can be quite difficult to understand. If denied at the initial level, you will appeal by submitting a Request for Reconsideration. A new caseworker and a new group of medical examiners at SSA will evaluate your case. They will make sure no legal mistakes were made at the initial phase and no strong supporting evidence was missed. Although the claim is being reevaluated, it is not a sure thing that the claim will be awarded, as SSA is mainly checking for errors made during the first evaluation process. If denied at this level, you will appeal by submitting a Request for Hearing before a judge.
Our goal is to help you win your case as quickly as possible-- we don't get paid unless you get paid! Some attorneys do not assist clients at the initial and reconsideration levels, BUT WE DO!
If you have questions about your disability case or would like to hire us to help, call 205-879-3033 or email Lifehealth@FriedmanFirmPC.com