Glossary

Reconsideration

an appeal step after an initial disability denial in most cases

In plain English

Reconsideration is an administrative appeal level in which Social Security reviews a determination again before a possible administrative law judge hearing.

Verify with SSA

Why Reconsideration can matter

Do not read the term in isolation. Identify the SSA notice, form, medical exhibit, work record, payment letter, or hearing decision where it appears and ask what role the term plays in that specific document.

What to write down

  • The exact sentence where the term appears.
  • The document title, date, benefit program, and appeal level.
  • Any deadline or next step printed in the same notice.
  • The official SSA source or representative question needed to confirm its effect.

Verify the current meaning

Similar words can have different meanings in workers compensation, private disability insurance, or other benefit programs.