Opinion ID: 781387
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Procedures for SSI Applications

Text: 4 The Social Security Act entitles disabled individuals to receive SSI benefits. See 42 U.S.C. § 1381a. The Act defines disability as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1). 5 A claimant whose application has been denied may request reconsideration within sixty days of receiving the denial. 20 C.F.R. § 416.1409(a). If the claim has been denied on reconsideration, the claimant may request a hearing before an ALJ within sixty days. § 416.1433(b). Following the ALJ's decision, the claimant may request review by the Appeals Council within sixty days. § 416.1468(a). The Appeals Council renders the agency's determination final, and it is subject to judicial review within sixty days. § 416.1481. The claimant may request that her application be reopened within twelve months of notice of the initial determination for any reason, and within two years of the initial determination for good cause. § 416.1488(a)-(b). An applicant establishes good cause by furnishing new and material evidence; demonstrating a clerical error; or offering evidence in the administrative record that clearly shows on its face that an error was made. § 416.1489(a). An application can be reopened at any time if the determination was obtained by fraud or similar fault ... tak[ing] into account any physical, mental, educational, or linguistic limitations [which the applicant] may have had at the time. § 416.1488(c). When a claimant has failed to request reconsideration, an ALJ hearing, Appeals Council Review, or review by a federal district court, Social Security Ruling 91-5p requires the agency to extend the deadlines for such requests if the claimant had good cause for missing the deadline, such as if he or she lacked the mental capacity to understand the procedures for requesting review or had any mental or physical condition which limit[ed] the claimant's ability to do things for him/herself. Social Security Ruling (SSR) 91-5p, 1991 WL 208067, at  (S.S.A. July 1, 1991); see also Stieberger, 134 F.3d at 38. 6