Social Security Administration Slows Down the Disability Application Process by Adding More Red Tape

Two years. That is how long it can take for an individual to make his or her way through the social security disability application process. For individuals with significant physical or mental health impairments who desperately need income, that is an eternity. Now, the Social Security Administration has added three to six more months to the application processing time by requiring applicants to file for Reconsideration.

The Social Security Administration has reinstated Reconsideration as a step in the disability adjudication process. As of April 1, 2019, Pennsylvania applicants whose initial applications were denied, which is nearly everyone, must seek Reconsideration.

If the Social Security Administration denies your initial application, you have 60 days from the date you receive the notice to submit a request for reconsideration. After you submit your reconsideration request, the Disability Determination Services will do a second review of your records. Unfortunately, if there are no changes from your initial application, you can expect another denial. And, if the reconsideration request is not submitted within 60 days, you will have to start over and resubmit your initial application. Only after you receive the reconsideration denial, then you can request a hearing.

We regularly represent individuals seeking Social Security benefits and can assist you throughout the application process. You can call our office at 610-446-3457 to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys. We will explain the process, guide you and fight to get you the benefits you need.