Reconsideration Stage Help for Disability Claims in Dearborn and Greater Michigan
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application was denied, you may feel frustrated, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The good news? A denial isn’t the end of the road. The next critical step is the Reconsideration stage—and how you approach it can make a significant difference in your outcome.
At Lutfi Law, PLC, we offer strategic and compassionate legal support to disability applicants throughout Dearborn, Detroit, and surrounding communities like Taylor, Wyandotte, Allen Park, Trenton, Westland, and Garden City. If you’ve received a denial letter, don’t wait—call us at 313-998-4656 for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is the Reconsideration Stage?
The reconsideration stage is the first level of appeal after a denied SSDI or SSI claim. It involves a complete review of your application by someone who was not involved in the initial decision. While the SSA denies most reconsideration requests, this is still an essential step to keep your claim alive and ultimately get to the hearing stage, where your odds of success improve significantly.
Fast Facts:
- Michigan reinstated the Reconsideration stage in October 2019 after a long hiatus
- Over 66% of initial SSDI/SSI applications in Michigan are denied according to SSA data.
- Reconsideration approval rates are low—about 13% nationally—but filing this appeal is necessary to move forward to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.
Why Reconsideration Matters in Michigan
For claimants in the Detroit area, reconsideration is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to correct mistakes, submit new evidence, and strengthen your case.
Many claimants give up after receiving a denial, but success in disability cases often comes through persistence and experienced legal representation. At Lutfi Law, we help clients locally and personally through every phase of their disability appeal, starting with reconsideration.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied—and Can Be Challenged
If your claim was denied, chances are the Social Security Administration said your medical condition wasn’t severe enough or that you could still perform work. These conclusions are often based on incomplete medical records, misinterpreted facts, or lack of supporting documentation.
At Lutfi Law, we thoroughly analyze your denial letter and help you:
- Identify what evidence was missing or misunderstood
- Request updated records and specialist opinions
- Draft a compelling reconsideration submission
- Ensure all deadlines are met to keep your case moving
How We Help Detroit-Area Clients File Strong Reconsideration Appeals
Navigating SSA appeals is complicated—especially if you’re facing serious health challenges. Our firm provides personalized representation tailored to the unique needs of Michigan residents.
Medical Evidence Review and Supplementation
We work directly with your healthcare providers—including specialists at Beaumont Hospital, DMC, and Henry Ford Health—to collect detailed and updated medical records, imaging results, and physician opinion letters that show how your condition truly limits your ability to work.
Custom Legal Briefs
Our attorneys craft individualized legal arguments that directly address the reasons for your denial. We highlight evidence that supports your claim and explain how your limitations prevent you from returning to past work or performing other jobs.
Local Experience with Michigan SSA Offices
Because we’re based in Dearborn and serve clients across Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County, we understand how local SSA offices operate. We’ve helped clients with cases reviewed by the Detroit, Flint, and Livonia SSA field offices, giving us insight into how to best position your case for reconsideration.
Why Most People Lose at Reconsideration—and How Lutfi Law Helps You Beat the Odds
Reconsideration is difficult. Most applications are rubber-stamped with the same denial unless new evidence is presented clearly and strategically. That’s where Lutfi Law makes the difference. We help our clients stand out by:
- Filling in medical and administrative gaps
- Demonstrating worsening conditions or complications
- Highlighting functional limitations that were ignored
- Using legal language that resonates with SSA evaluators
We also offer Arabic-language support and assistance for clients who face barriers in communication or understanding the SSA’s complex language. In a diverse community like Dearborn, this is a critical service that many national firms simply can’t provide.
Reconsideration Timeline: What to Expect in Michigan
- Deadline to file: 60 days from the date on your denial letter
- Decision timeline: Usually within 60 to 90 days, but delays are common
- Outcome: Approval, denial, or a request for more information
If denied again, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)—a stage where approval rates nearly triple compared to reconsideration.
Detroit’s Disability Landscape: A Local Perspective
In Detroit, over 11% of the population lives with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Factors like chronic illness, aging workforce demographics, and widespread physical labor jobs increase the volume of claims—and unfortunately, the number of denials.
Add in language barriers, inconsistent healthcare access, and complex SSA rules, and it’s no surprise that many Detroit residents struggle to get approved. At Lutfi Law, we’re dedicated to making the system more accessible to the people who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Reconsideration Stage
Is the reconsideration stage worth pursuing?
Yes. Although reconsideration has a lower approval rate, it’s a required step before you can request a hearing, where your odds improve substantially. Filing with the help of Lutfi Law ensures your appeal is strong and timely.
Can I submit new medical evidence during reconsideration?
Absolutely. New or updated medical evidence is one of the most effective ways to win at this stage. We work closely with your doctors to ensure nothing important is left out.
How long does reconsideration take in Michigan?
Most decisions arrive within 60 to 90 days, but the SSA often takes longer, depending on workload and complexity. We’ll keep you informed and follow up with the SSA if delays become unreasonable.
Do I need an attorney for reconsideration?
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, your chances of approval are significantly higher when working with a legal professional. We handle the paperwork, evidence gathering, and SSA communication so you can focus on your health.
Why Choose Lutfi Law, PLC?
When you work with Lutfi Law, you get more than a disability lawyer—you get a dedicated partner who understands what’s at stake and how to fight for your rights. We offer:
- Deep knowledge of SSA procedures and Michigan-specific trends
- Local insight from representing clients in Detroit, Dearborn, and across Southeast Michigan
- Responsive, one-on-one service that national firms can’t match
- No upfront fees—you don’t pay unless we win
Ready to File Your Reconsideration? Call Lutfi Law Today
If you live in Dearborn, Detroit, or nearby Michigan communities and received a denial on your SSDI or SSI claim, don’t give up. The reconsideration stage is your opportunity to turn things around—and we’re here to help.
Call 313-998-4656 today to schedule your free consultation with Lutfi Law, PLC. Let’s rebuild your case, correct the errors, and get you the benefits you deserve.