Living in New York City presents unique challenges when navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the quiet corners of Staten Island, thousands of New Yorkers face the daunting task of appealing denied SSDI claims each year. At The Seelig Law Offices, located in the heart of NYC, we understand that pursuing SSDI reconsideration with an attorney can significantly impact your chance of success.

What is SSDI Reconsideration?

SSDI Reconsideration is the first level of appeal when your initial Social Security Disability Insurance claim is denied. During this phase, a different disability examiner at your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) conducts a complete review of your case, examining both your original application materials and any new evidence you provide. This is not just a formality or quick second look – it’s a fresh, independent evaluation of your entire claim, giving you an important opportunity to address the reasons for your initial denial by submitting additional medical evidence, work history documentation, or other supporting materials that strengthen your case for disability benefits.

The Benefits of SSDI Reconsideration with an Attorney

At The Seelig Law Offices in New York City, we regularly see how professional legal representation can significantly improve outcomes during the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reconsideration process. When you work with our team during this critical appeals phase, you gain several key advantages that can strengthen your case:

• Professional Case Review: A thorough analysis of your initial denial reveals crucial gaps in documentation, enabling us to target exactly what additional evidence will strengthen your claim during SSDI reconsideration with an attorney.
• Medical Evidence Management: Your SSDI lawyer coordinates directly with NYC healthcare providers, from Mount Sinai to NYU Langone, ensuring all relevant medical documentation is properly collected and presented to support your case.
• Deadline Protection: We track and meet all SSA filing deadlines, protecting your right to appeal while you focus on your health and medical treatment.
• Strategic Communication: Our team handles all interactions with the Social Security Administration, ensuring your case is presented clearly and effectively throughout the reconsideration process.
• Local System Navigation: Our familiarity with NYC’s Social Security offices, from Brooklyn to the Bronx, helps streamline your reconsideration process and avoid common procedural pitfalls.
• Medical Opinion Development: Our NYC SSDI lawyers work with your healthcare providers to obtain detailed medical opinions that specifically address the SSA’s evaluation criteria.
• Hearing Preparation: While managing your SSDI reconsideration with an attorney, we simultaneously prepare for a potential hearing, should your case require that next step.
• Cost-Effective Support: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we help you win your case.
• Evidence Analysis: Your SSDI lawyer carefully reviews all medical records, employment history, and other documentation to build the strongest possible case for approval.
• Ongoing Advocacy: Throughout the reconsideration process, we advocate for your interests and keep you informed of your case’s progress.

Making the decision to pursue SSDI reconsideration with an attorney can be the difference between approval and denial of your benefits. At The Seelig Law Offices, we combine our understanding of the NYC Social Security system with dedicated advocacy to help you navigate this complex process successfully. Contact us to discuss how we can assist with your SSDI reconsideration case.

What is the SSDI Reconsideration Process in NYC?

At The Seelig Law Offices, we regularly guide New Yorkers through the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) appeals. The reconsideration process represents a critical second chance for those initially denied benefits. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know about SSDI reconsideration with an attorney in New York City:

• Initial Filing Deadline: You have 60 days from receiving your denial notice to request reconsideration through any NYC Social Security office, from Downtown Brooklyn to the Bronx Hub location.
• Medical Evidence Updates: During SSDI reconsideration with an attorney, your legal team can submit new medical records from NYC providers like Mount Sinai or NYU Langone to strengthen your case.
• Secondary Review Process: A different disability examiner, not associated with your initial claim, conducts a fresh evaluation of all evidence, including any new documentation your SSDI lawyer provides.
• Local Office Procedures: Each NYC borough’s Social Security office maintains specific processing procedures, which your attorney will navigate to ensure proper handling of your reconsideration request.
• Medical Consultation Requirements: The reconsideration process may involve additional medical consultations with SSA-approved physicians throughout the five boroughs of New York.
• Documentation Review Timeline: Typically, SSDI reconsideration in NYC takes 3-6 months, during which your attorney monitors the case progress through local SSA channels.
• Appeals Council Location: If reconsideration is denied, your next appeal would be handled through the Office of Hearing Operations on Varick Street in Manhattan.
• Local Representative Communication: Your SSDI lawyer maintains regular contact with the NYC Disability Determination Services office throughout the reconsideration process.
• Financial Documentation Updates: During reconsideration, you can submit new financial records showing how your disability affects your ability to work in the NYC job market.
• Hearing Preparation Phase: While awaiting the reconsideration decision, your attorney begins preparing for a potential hearing, should one become necessary.

The SSDI reconsideration process in NYC requires careful attention to detail and thorough understanding of local procedures. At The Seelig Law Offices, we leverage our experience with the city’s Social Security system to guide clients through each stage of their appeal. Contact us to discuss how we can assist with your SSDI reconsideration case in any of New York City’s five boroughs.

Common Reasons for SSDI Claim Denials

Understanding why SSDI claims are denied is crucial when pursuing SSDI reconsideration with an attorney. Here are the most common reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies disability claims:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: Your medical records don’t provide enough documentation to prove your disability meets SSA requirements or you lack recent medical treatment records within the past 90 days.
• Income Exceeds Limits: Your monthly earnings exceed the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, currently set at $1,470 for non-blind individuals, indicating you can still maintain employment.
• Disability Duration Requirements: Your condition is not expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, failing to meet the SSA’s duration requirement for disability benefits.
• Incomplete Application Materials: Your initial application is missing crucial information, contains inconsistencies, or lacks required documentation about your medical condition and work history.
• Non-Compliance with Treatment: You’ve failed to follow prescribed medical treatments without good cause, making it impossible for the SSA to evaluate your disability’s full impact.
• Prior Denial History: Your new claim closely resembles a previously denied claim without presenting significant new medical evidence or changes in your condition.
• Lack of Work Credits: You haven’t earned enough recent work credits through Social Security-covered employment to qualify for SSDI benefits.
• Failed Consultative Exam: You missed a scheduled SSA medical examination or the results didn’t support your disability claim.
• Impairment Not Severe Enough: Your medical condition, while legitimate, doesn’t meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability or significantly limit your ability to work.
• Drug or Alcohol Contribution: Your disability is primarily caused by ongoing substance abuse, which the SSA cannot consider as a qualifying disability.

Why File a Request for SSDI Reconsideration?

At The Seelig Law Offices in New York City, we understand that receiving an initial SSDI denial can be discouraging. However, pursuing SSDI reconsideration with an attorney is often a crucial step toward securing your benefits. Here’s why you should consider filing a reconsideration request:

• Fresh Review Process: A completely different disability examiner evaluates your case, providing a new perspective and opportunity to address the specific reasons for your initial denial.
• Additional Evidence Opportunity: During SSDI reconsideration with an attorney, you can submit new medical records, test results, and other documentation that wasn’t available during your initial application.
• Mandatory Appeal Step: Filing for reconsideration is required before you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, preserving your right to continue the appeals process.
• Cost-Effective Option: The reconsideration process involves no filing fees, and when working with an SSDI lawyer, you only pay if your case is successful.
• Faster Than Hearings: Reconsideration typically takes 3-6 months, while waiting for a hearing can take over a year in the NYC area.
• Strategic Positioning: Even if denied, the reconsideration process helps identify case weaknesses that can be addressed during a subsequent hearing.
• Medical Updates: The process allows you to document how your condition has progressed or worsened since your initial application.
• Technical Error Correction: Reconsideration provides an opportunity to fix any technical mistakes or missing information from your original application.
• Preparation Benefits: The process of gathering evidence for reconsideration strengthens your overall case, whether approved at this stage or moved to a hearing.
• Time-Sensitive Window: With only 60 days to file after a denial, pursuing reconsideration promptly protects your right to appeal and potential retroactive benefits.

Get Help With Your SSDI Reconsideration Today

Don’t let a disability claim denial stand between you and the benefits you deserve. At The Seelig Law Offices, we’re ready to guide you through the SSDI reconsideration process with the attention and dedication your case deserves. Contact our Manhattan office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help strengthen your claim.