In October 1999, the Social Security Administration began testing the Disability Redesign Prototype model in 10 states, including Alabama. This prototype model eliminated the reconsideration process and sent initial determination appeals on disability issues to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) for a hearing. This eliminated a step in the disability process.
The Social Security Administration has decided to reintroduce reconsideration in the 10 prototype states beginning in 2019. In Alabama, reconsideration will begin as of October 1, 2019. While this should not impact the ultimate decision in a case, it could increase the time from an initial decision to a hearing. The purpose of the reconsideration period is to allow a disability claimant to have their claim reviewed again prior to sending it to the hearing level. In some cases, this could result in a favorable decision. In other cases, the claimant may still need to appeal the decision OHO for a hearing. This change will not impact claims filed prior to October 1, 2019.
For more information on Social Security Disability Benefits, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. has been helping Social Security claimants with their disability claims for over 30 years.