If you have received a prior SSDI denial, you may be wondering if you can reopen an old SSDI claim in Washington instead of starting from scratch. And although this is a possibility, there are some SSDI reopening rules in WA that you will need to first understand. That is why it’s strongly recommended that you work with an SSDI lawyer in Spokane, WA, before you proceed with trying to reopen an old SSDI claim. Keep reading to find out when you can reopen an old SSDI claim and whether or not it is the right option.
What Does It Mean to Reopen an SSDI Claim?
There is a specific timeframe after you have received an SSDI denial that allows you to appeal this decision. However, if you miss this deadline, your right to appeal is no longer valid. So, the next best option may be to have your claim reopened.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be more benefits to reopening an old SSDI claim, rather than starting a new claim altogether. For example, you may be entitled to backpay when you reopen a claim, which is something that wouldn’t apply if you start from scratch.
Before deciding whether you should reopen an SSDI claim or simply start over, you should get help from a Social Security disability law firm in Washington. An attorney can help you better understand the pros and cons of this decision and what the process would entail.
SSA Rules for Reopening a Claim
Usually, you are more likely to get a favorable result if you reopen your SSDI claim within 12 months of when it was denied or closed. Attempting to reopen a claim after 12 months have passed will make the process much more difficult and less likely to be successful.
Here is a breakdown of the SSA rules for reopening a claim based on timing:
- Within 12 months: You can reopen your claim for any reason.
- Within four years: You must demonstrate “good cause” for reopening your claim.
- After four years: You must prove specific circumstances, such as fraud or other legal issues.
What Qualifies as “Good Cause”?
It is very common for Washington residents to want to reopen an old SSDI claim after 12 months have passed from the original denial. And if that is the case, you will need to demonstrate “good cause”.
The SSA has laid out three ways that you can establish “good cause” for the best chance of having your claim reopened. These examples include:
- You can present new evidence to support your claim.
- The SSA made a clerical error.
- The evidence examined for the original decision clearly shows on its face that an error was made.
Get Started With a Top Spokane SSDI Attorney Today
Although reopening an old SSDI claim in Washington is a possibility, you should only do this under certain circumstances and with the help of an SSDI lawyer. At Schott Law, our SSDI attorneys are committed to helping our clients get the best outcome for their claim, whether they are reopening an old claim or starting a new one. Contact our Washington office today at 509-328-5789 to speak with a lawyer about your claim.
