SSDI Reconsideration in New Hampshire

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your initial application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in New Hampshire, you have the right to appeal that decision through a process called reconsideration. Understanding this critical step can significantly impact your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. As an attorney who has handled numerous disability cases, I can tell you that the reconsideration stage requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of what went wrong with your initial application.

Understanding the SSDI Reconsideration Process

Reconsideration is the first level of appeal in the SSDI claims process. After receiving a denial letter from the SSA, you have exactly 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it can result in having to start the entire application process over from the beginning. The SSA assumes you received your denial letter five days after it was dated, so time is of the essence.

During reconsideration, a different SSA examiner who was not involved in your initial determination reviews your case from scratch. This examiner looks at all the evidence that was submitted with your original application, plus any new evidence you submit. Many claimants in New Hampshire make the mistake of simply requesting reconsideration without adding substantial new medical evidence or addressing the specific reasons for denial.

The reconsideration process in New Hampshire follows federal SSA guidelines but is processed through the Boston Regional Office, which oversees disability claims for New England states. You can file your Request for Reconsideration online through the SSA website, by phone, by mail, or in person at your local New Hampshire Social Security office.

Why Initial SSDI Applications Get Denied

Before pursuing reconsideration, you need to understand why your initial application was denied. Common reasons for SSDI denials in New Hampshire include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: The most frequent reason for denial is that the medical records do not adequately document the severity of your condition or how it limits your ability to work.
• Lack of recent treatment: If you have not sought consistent medical treatment, the SSA may conclude your condition is not severe enough to prevent work.
• Technical eligibility issues: You may not have worked long enough or recently enough to qualify for SSDI benefits, or your income may exceed substantial gainful activity limits.
• Non-compliance with treatment: Failing to follow prescribed treatment without good reason can result in denial.
• Ability to perform past work: The SSA determined you can still perform your previous job or adjust to other work given your age, education, and transferable skills.

The denial letter you receive will specify the reason for your denial. This information is crucial for building a stronger case during reconsideration.

Strengthening Your Reconsideration Appeal

Simply resubmitting the same information rarely leads to approval at the reconsideration stage. Successful reconsiderations typically involve presenting new, compelling evidence that addresses the deficiencies in the original application. Here are the steps you should take:

Obtain updated medical records: Gather all medical records, test results, imaging studies, and treatment notes from the date of your initial application through the present. New Hampshire has several major hospital systems including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Catholic Medical Center, and Elliot Hospital. Ensure you have obtained records from all treating physicians and facilities.

Request detailed opinions from your doctors: Ask your treating physicians to complete a Medical Source Statement or Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. These documents should specifically address your functional limitations—what you can and cannot do in a work setting. A letter from your doctor stating you are "disabled" is not enough; you need detailed explanations of your physical or mental limitations.

Address the specific reasons for denial: Your reconsideration submission should directly respond to each reason given for the initial denial. If the SSA stated your medical evidence was insufficient, explain what new evidence you are providing and why it demonstrates disability.

Document how your condition affects daily activities: Submit a detailed Function Report describing how your condition impacts your ability to perform daily tasks, maintain relationships, and sustain work activities. Be honest and specific about your limitations.

Include statements from non-medical sources: Letters from family members, friends, former employers, or clergy who can describe how they have witnessed your condition deteriorate can supplement your medical evidence.

Statistics and Timelines for New Hampshire Reconsiderations

The unfortunate reality is that reconsideration approval rates are low. Nationally, only about 10-15% of reconsideration requests result in approval. New Hampshire's approval rates tend to track closely with national averages. This does not mean you should skip the reconsideration stage—you must exhaust this level of appeal before proceeding to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which has significantly higher approval rates.

The reconsideration process in New Hampshire typically takes between three to five months from the date you file your Request for Reconsideration. Processing times can vary based on the complexity of your case and the current workload at the processing center. You can check the status of your reconsideration online or by contacting the SSA directly.

During this waiting period, continue to seek appropriate medical treatment and maintain detailed records of all appointments, medications, and how your condition affects your daily life. This documentation will be valuable if your case proceeds to the hearing level.

When to Seek Legal Representation

While you can handle the reconsideration process on your own, having an experienced disability attorney can significantly improve your chances of success at all levels of appeal. An attorney who practices disability law in New Hampshire understands the specific evidence needed to meet the SSA's requirements and can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Many disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is capped by federal law at 25% of your past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible even when you are not working due to your disability.

An attorney can help you gather comprehensive medical evidence, obtain supportive opinions from your doctors, ensure all deadlines are met, and prepare you for subsequent appeal stages if reconsideration is denied. Given the low approval rates at reconsideration, having professional representation positions you for success at the hearing level, where most successful claims are ultimately won.

If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often where disability cases are won, as you have the opportunity to testify in person and have your attorney present witnesses and cross-examine vocational experts. Do not give up after a reconsideration denial—persistence is often necessary in SSDI cases.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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