Reopening a Prior Social Security Disability or SSI Claim

Often Social Security Disability or SSI applicants call about representation on a current claim and it is discovered there was a previously claim for benefits. If a denied claim is not appealed within the required time period, the decision or determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA) becomes final. However, under certain circumstances a previously denied claim can be reopened and revised.

A determination or decision on a Social Security Disability (Title II) claim can be reopened:

• within 12 months of the date of the notice of the initial determination for any reason;
• within 4 year of the date of the notice of the initial determination if good cause is found; or
• at any time for certain limited and technical reasons.

A determination or decision on a Supplemental Security Income (SSI (Title XVI)) claim can be reopened:

• within 12 months of the date of the notice of the initial determination for any reason; or
• within 2 years of the date of the notice of the initial determination if good cause is found; or
• at any time if the decision was obtained by fraud or similar fault.

A new application may constitute a request to reopen if:

• it covers the same period as the prior application;
• when it contains a statement that the prior determination or decision was incorrect; or
• when the new application requests retroactive benefits back to the time covered by the prior application.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.