Reconsideration Requests for SSDI in Houston
You can’t work because of health problems. Your bills and medical expenses are piling up. You filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and waited for a decision.
Finally, you received the letter—only to feel dejected when you read that you’ve been denied.
Listen, this can happen even if you did everything right. In fact, about two-thirds of all initial Social Security Disability claims are denied. The important thing to know is don’t give up.
You can—and should—appeal the decision. Often, people win benefits when they appeal, and they finally get some peace in a time of financial worry.
The first step in appealing is asking Social Security for a “reconsideration.”
At Makris Law Firm, we’ll file your reconsideration request for you.
We help people in Houston and around Texas turn benefit denials into approvals.
What Happens in an SSDI Reconsideration Request?
When you’re asking for a reconsideration, your goal is to convince the Social Security Administration that you meet the basic qualifications for SSDI benefits:
- You have a disability that makes it impossible to work.
- Your disability will last at least a year.
- You earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes.
- You worked under Social Security at least 5 of the 10 years before your disability.
How long do I have to file for reconsideration?
You have to act fast. You must submit your reconsideration request within 60 days of the date you received the letter denying your claim. Five days after the date on the letter officially begins the 60-day period.
But don’t even wait that long. This is because your medical records can become outdated.
Some medical records in your file must be dated within 90 days of your reconsideration request. If you wait too long, you may need to repeat exams or tests, causing frustrating delays.
Can I send new information?
Yes. Your reconsideration is an important opportunity to submit updated evidence—such as medical reports—that might make your case for benefits stronger than when you first applied.
It’s a chance to fill in gaps or weaknesses in your initial application.
You don’t get to add new evidence at every stage of appealing, so take advantage of this opportunity to boost your file with Social Security.
Will I need to meet with a Social Security representative?
Most of the time, you don’t have any in-person meetings for a reconsideration review.
How long will it take to get a decision?
Reconsiderations often take less time than initial applications. You could get a decision in 4 to 8 weeks.
At Makris Law Firm, you don’t have to pay anything to get an evaluation of where you stand with your disability claim.
What’s Happens after a Reconsideration Request?
If you still get denied after filing a reconsideration request for SSDI, it doesn’t mean it’s over. You can keep fighting for the benefits you deserve with these steps:
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: For our area, these typically take place in Houston Social Security Administration offices. This is one of your best chances to win benefits.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your case, you may ask a group at Social Security called the Appeals Council for a review. The Appeals Council could approve your benefits or return your case to the ALJ for a new hearing.
- Federal Court Review – If you’re still denied benefits, you can file a lawsuit in Federal District Court. You must have an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court to represent you at this level!
Appealing is much more complicated than applying. We highly recommend working with an attorney. You pay no attorney fee until you win benefits.