Whenever you file a claim, the Social Security Administration will send you a notice of the decision taken. If you find the decision unfavorable, you can appeal it. Under this process, you will ask for a new review of the determination made on your claim. This is all that you need to know concerning what Form SSA-561 is and how to file a request for reconsideration.
What is Form SSA-561?
The SSA-561, or Request for Reconsideration, is the official document that needs to be filed regarding the decisions made by the SSA concerning social security benefits or supplemental social security income (SSI) benefits. It will allow you to petition SSA to re-evaluate their decisions irrespective of the reasons for denying the claim after an appeal, whether for medical or non-medical grounds.
Requesting a disability reconsideration
If your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI benefits was denied for medical reasons, you can file an appeal. To do so:
- Visit the SSA’s website to request a reconsideration online.
- Complete and submit Form SSA-561.
- Include Form SSA-827, which authorizes the disclosure of your medical information to the SSA for review.
By submitting these documents, you are asking the SSA to take a closer look at your medical records and re-evaluate your eligibility for benefits.
Requesting a non-medical reconsideration
Non-medical reconsiderations involve decisions unrelated to your medical condition. These may include issues such as:
- Overpayment of benefits.
- Eligibility for retirement benefits.
- Discrepancies in earnings records.
To request a non-medical reconsideration:
- File the appeal online through the SSA’s website, or
- Submit Form SSA-561 to your local Social Security office.
Unlike medical reconsiderations, you do not need to include additional medical authorization forms.
Steps to submit your reconsideration request
If you decide not to appeal online, you can manually complete and submit the required forms. Follow these steps:
- Download and Complete Form SSA-561: This form serves as your official request for reconsideration. Fill it out completely and ensure all details are accurate.
- Include Form SSA-827 (If Applicable): For medical appeals, this form is necessary to grant the SSA permission to review your medical records.
- Submit Your Documents: Send the completed forms to your local Social Security office.
You can locate your nearest office by using the SSA’s office locator tool on their website or by contacting their toll-free number.
Where to send Form SSA-561
After filling in the required forms, post them to or personally deliver them to the Social Security office near you. Make sure to keep a copy of the completed forms for record keeping.
Need assistance?
If you have questions about completing or submitting your reconsideration request, the SSA offers several ways to get help:
- Call the SSA Hotline: Dial 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (local time).
- TTY Services: If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
SSA representatives can guide you through the process and answer any questions related to your appeal.
Final thoughts
It can seem like a tough assignment to appeal an SSA decision. However, your best bet is Form SSA-561, which makes it easy to follow a pathway directly to request a review. No matter if it is a medical or non-medical decision being disputed, if you follow the outlined steps, your reconsideration request should be able to find its way through to proper submission and evaluation.
Understand what it takes, fill out the necessary forms, and suddenly you improve those chances of getting the deserved benefits.
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