When a beneficiary receives a letter from Social Security regarding their benefits, appealing this decision is usually an option. One option for appealing a decision is to submit a Request for Reconsideration.
To help you navigate this process we’re providing a few key things to know:
Timeline
A reconsideration must be filed within 60 days from the time you receive notice of the overpayment. If a Request for Reconsideration is submitted to Social Security within 10 days, the requirement to repay an overpayment will pause and benefits will continue until a decision is made.
Additional documentation and support can be submitted to SSA after your Reconsideration form is submitted as long as your appeal has not already been reviewed. BenefitU suggests submitting any additional supporting documents and information to SSA within 30 days of submitting the reconsideration form.
What to Submit with Your Request for Reconsideration
Think of the Reconsideration Form (SSA 561) as a “Cover Sheet” for your appeal. In addition to the SSA form you may want to also consider submitting:
- A brief letter that explains your appeal
- Any supplemental documents or information that supports your case
Explanation Letter Template
Name
Date of Birth
SSA Claim Number
Date
Attn: Social Security Appeals Department
I do not agree with the SSA made about my benefits related to ____________ as stated in the [DATE] letter.
My reason for disagreeing with this decision is…
(Example: Work Incentives were not considered. Please see attached letters and 3033 form. Supports were in place beginning of start of position at this job (month/year) (*whatever is correct timeline for client’s most recent position at work).
I am providing the following additional information here for your review. This includes…
Thank you,
Supporting Documentation:
Including additional information that can support your case is be crucial when appealing an SSA decision. Below is a list of links to items that you may want to consider submitting if they apply to your situation:
- Paystubs or wage history
- 3033 – Work Activity Questionnaire
- Subsidy Letter
- Special Condition Letter
- IRWE
- Any additional information or data that may relate to your situation
For more information about the appeals process, click here and select the ‘Overpayment and Appeals’ option from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the page.
Things to Keep in mind:
- If you mail a request, we suggest it be certified, involving a signature for delivery. If you are hand delivering it see if you can have documents stamped as received and/or request a receipt. This is important because Reconsiderations have a 60-day timeline.
- It will likely take SSA several months to review the documents and for you to hear back on the Reconsideration.
If you mail a request, we suggest it be certified, involving a signature for delivery. If you are hand delivering it see if you can have documents stamped as received and/or request a receipt. This is important because Reconsiderations have a 60-day timeline. - This is a very much “hurry-up and wait” timeline but the 60-day deadline is a very firm date. Attempts to utilize the Request for Reconsideration made after 60 days will likely not be accepted by SSA.
