Reconsideration vs. Hearing: What Happens at Each Level, and Which Matters More?
After an SSDI or SSI denial, the next stage is usually an appeal. Two steps come up most often: reconsideration and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
These are not the same process, and understanding the difference can help you make better decisions about deadlines, evidence, and what to expect.
Where Reconsideration and Hearings Fit in the SSD Appeals Timeline
Most disability claims follow a general sequence after a denial:
- Initial decision denied → Request for Reconsideration
- Reconsideration denied → Request for Hearing before an ALJ
Not every case goes all the way through every stage, but the order matters. Reconsideration is typically the gate you pass through to reach a hearing, and deadlines apply at each step.
Level One: Reconsideration
Reconsideration is typically the first appeal after an initial denial. Social Security describes reconsideration as a complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the first determination, including review of the prior evidence plus any new evidence that is obtained or submitted.
What Reconsideration Usually Involves
- A different reviewer evaluates the file and any new material submitted.
- There is generally no in-person hearing at this stage for most disability claims (it is primarily a paper review).
- The outcome often depends on whether the updated record addresses the specific reasons for the initial denial.
What Matters Most at Reconsideration
Reconsideration is not just “sending it back in.” It is the first opportunity to correct common problems such as:
- Missing treatment records or gaps in care
- Limited detail about work-related limitations
- Unclear documentation about symptom frequency, duration, and functional impact
- Technical or non-medical issues that affected eligibility
It is also the step that keeps your case moving toward a hearing if Social Security does not reverse the denial.
Contact Carmichael Law Group today - we will ensure your disability is presented in the very best light.
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