Social Security Form SSA-561-U2: Request for Reconsideration

When you seek assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it will make a decision on whether you’re eligible to receive that assistance. The SSA may also make decisions about any assistance you’re already receiving. If there’s ever a point where you disagree with one of these decisions, you can attempt to appeal it. In many cases, the first level of appeal is reconsideration, which asks the SSA to review its initial determination again. Form SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration, can be used to make that request, although the SSA also allows many disability and non-medical reconsideration requests to be filed online. A financial advisor may be able to help you make a plan for your social security and overall retirement.

What Is Form SSA-561-U2?

Form SSA-561-U2 is a Social Security form that allows you to request reconsideration of an SSA determination with which you disagree. Reconsideration is the first level of the SSA appeals process in many cases and involves a new review of the claim by someone who did not make the initial determination. This might include:

Appealing a denial of disability benefits
Disputing certain decisions involving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Special Veterans Benefits (SVB)
Challenging an overpayment determination
Disputing a recalculation of your benefits

You may also see this form referred to as simply Form SSA-561 or SSA-561-U2. The SSA currently identifies it as the Request for Reconsideration form.

Who Should Fill Out Form SSA-561-U2?

If you disagree with an initial determination by the SSA that is eligible for reconsideration, you can use Form SSA-561-U2 to request another review. The notice you receive from the SSA should explain your appeal rights and the appropriate next step.

For instance, the SSA may have denied your application for disability benefits. You might also disagree with a non-medical decision involving eligibility, benefit amounts or an overpayment. SSI and SVB recipients can use the form for qualifying reconsideration requests as well.

There is an important exception for people already receiving disability benefits whose payments are being stopped because the SSA determines that they are no longer disabled or blind for medical reasons. Those medical cessation appeals generally use Form SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration Disability Cessation, rather than Form SSA-561.

If you are appealing the medical denial of a Social Security or SSI disability application on paper, the SSA instructs applicants to submit Form SSA-3441, Disability Report – Appeal, and Form SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration, along with Form SSA-561 when requesting reconsideration.

How to Fill Out Form SSA-561-U2

A Social Security Administration building sign.

If you use the paper version of Form SSA-561-U2, you can download it from the “Appeal a Decision” page on the SSA website. The form asks for identifying information connected with your Social Security record, along with details about the SSA determination you want reconsidered.

You also have space to state why you believe the determination should be changed. Your explanation can identify the part of the decision you dispute and point to records or other evidence that support your position. You do not need an attorney to request reconsideration, although you have the option of appointing a representative.

If someone represents you during the appeal, the SSA requires information identifying that person. Depending on the type of decision involved, you may also need to submit additional forms or supporting records.

Many reconsideration requests can now be completed electronically. The SSA provides online appeal options for both medical disability decisions and qualifying non-medical decisions, reducing the need to submit Form SSA-561-U2 on paper.

How to Appeal SSI and SVB Decisions

Reconsideration procedures for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Special Veterans Benefits (SVB) can differ depending on the determination being challenged. In some cases, the claimant can request a review based on the existing record or select a conference that provides an opportunity to present the case directly to the SSA.

A case review is based on the information in the record, including any additional evidence submitted for reconsideration. An informal conference provides an opportunity to discuss the disputed determination and present supporting information or witnesses.

A formal conference provides broader procedural options than an informal conference. Depending on the applicable rules, these can include presenting witnesses, challenging unfavorable evidence and requesting assistance from the SSA in obtaining relevant testimony or records.

The choices available are not identical for every SSI or SVB appeal. The type of benefit and the reason for the SSA’s determination affect which reconsideration procedure applies, so the appeal notice should be reviewed before selecting a method.

What Happens After You Fill Out Form SSA-561?

Once you submit a reconsideration request, the SSA conducts another review of the determination. The person handling the reconsideration generally was not responsible for making the initial decision. New evidence submitted with the appeal can also be considered as part of that review.

How the case is handled depends on what you are appealing. Medical disability claims may involve review through the state agency responsible for disability determinations, while the SSA handles non-medical issues through the appropriate administrative process.

Because different types of appeals require different verification processes, there’s no standard time frame for when you’ll hear back. If the reconsideration does not change the decision, you may generally move to the next level of appeal by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. Separate filing deadlines apply to that request.

Bottom Line

A woman looking at her Social Security check.

Millions of people rely on benefits of some kind from the SSA. With such an enormous organization, errors are bound to occur. If you feel that your benefits or application for benefits have been subject to one of these errors, the SSA provides you an opportunity to make things right with form SSA-561-U2. Receiving benefits can make a huge difference in your finances. This is especially true if you’re dealing with medical expenses from old age or a disability. If you think there’s anything amiss with the SSA’s decision, it’s in your best interest to fill out the form and appeal the action.

Tips For Managing Your Finances

Whether you’re applying for Social Security benefits, dealing with a disability or just wondering how much you should contribute to your 401(k), talking with a financial advisor can help. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
A disability, whether short- or long-term, can force a huge adjustment in your lifestyle. Worrying about the financial aspects will only make it harder. An emergency fund can be a big help, so it’s a crucial aspect of your financial plan.
While building up an emergency fund is a good idea for everyone, it’s easier said than done. How do you know when to add to your emergency fund and when to add to your retirement savings? SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can be a big help in calculating how much you should save for retirement each month.