Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides disabled individuals and older adults with critical financial help to meet their monthly needs. Many qualified individuals apply for SSI benefits every week, but are denied by the Social Security Administration during the initial application stage. Denial of an SSI application is not the end of the road, however. In fact, many SSI recipients are only awarded benefits after they file an appeal. This part of the process is called a request for reconsideration.
When asking for reconsideration of an SSI application decision, it helps to have the skilled legal assistance of a Findlay SSI appeals lawyer to help you succeed. At Schaffer & Associates, we know the steps involved in SSI reconsideration requests. Our SSI attorneys can review the facts, gather evidence, and guide you at every step of an appeal.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities with limited income and assets. Adults with disabilities can qualify for SSI benefits if they meet certain eligibility requirements. SSI differs from Social Security because it is not based on an applicant’s work history or payments toward Social Security during a career. As of 2026, individuals can receive up to $994 per month in SSI benefits, while qualifying couples can receive up to $1,491 per month. SSI payments are based partially on an applicant’s potential income, resources, living situation, and other factors. Experienced SSI attorneys can help clients appeal for the benefits they may be entitled to.
A request for reconsideration of an SSI benefits decision is the first step of the SSI appeals process. When you request reconsideration, the SSA will review your initial application. Importantly, this review will be conducted by someone who is not involved in your initial application or denial. This puts fresh sets of eyes on the facts of your claim. The claims analyst will review your file, including all medical records submitted, as well as any other evidence supporting the application. The SSA might contact you for additional information or to schedule an examination with an SSA-approved doctor.
Requests for reconsideration can be completed online or in person by submitting forms at your local Social Security office. Attorneys with experience handling SSI appeals in Findlay can ensure your request is filed accurately and completely to avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes.
Even at this stage, many reconsideration requests are denied. The next step for SSI applicants would then be to seek a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The request for an ALJ hearing must be made within 60 days of the determination on the reconsideration request. At this stage in the SSI appeal process, you can ask the Administrative Law Judge to rule on the facts and evidence submitted, or you can request an in-person hearing. Findlay attorneys with proven track records handling ALJ hearings can help guide you through this part of the SSI appeals process.
If you have questions about appealing an SSI decision, our lawyers can review the facts and help you file a reconsideration request.
It is frustrating, but not rare, to have your SSI benefits application denied at first. Fortunately, an experienced Findlay SSI appeals lawyer can guide you through the next steps and help you pursue the benefits you deserve. Call Schaffer & Associates today to get started.