RECON Act

This legislation aims to significantly alter the appeals process for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits by making the reconsideration review process optional. It specifically amends sections 205(b)(1) of Title II and 1631(c)(1)(A) of Title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Under these amendments, the Commissioner of Social Security would be prohibited from requiring reconsideration of an initial decision or determination before a claimant can request a hearing. This means individuals would have the option to proceed directly to an administrative hearing after receiving an unfavorable initial decision, rather than being mandated to undergo a reconsideration review first. The changes are designed to provide claimants with more flexibility in their appeal options and will apply to initial decisions made one year after the Act's enactment.