Each and every year millions of people file for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Each and every year, approximately two-thirds of these applicants are denied the benefits that they have applied for. If these applicants hope to receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income in the future, they must appeal the SSA’s decision to deny their Social Security Disability claim.
A Social Security Disability appeal usually consists of two stages including a Request for Reconsideration and a disability hearing. While fewer than 20 percent of disability appeals are granted at the stage of a reconsideration request, it is a requirement in most states that this stage of appeals be conducted prior to the applicant being able to request a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Sometimes Form 561 is also used in the case of disability overpayments. If a person who is already receiving Social Security Disability benefits is notified that an overpayment is made and the SSA is requesting a repayment of the overpayment, the disability beneficiary may submit Form 561 to ask the SSA to dispute the overpayment.
In order to submit a Request for Reconsideration to the Social Security Administration, a disability applicant must file Form 561 with their local Social Security office. You can obtain Form 561 online from the Social Security Administration’s website or from your local Social Security office. If you are appealing a denial of SSD benefits and are working with a Social Security Disability attorney, your attorney will handle the filing of this form for you.
When you file Form 561 you should also be sure to include any evidence that can help you prove your case (and the reason for your dispute) to the Social Security Administration, along with the actual form.
