The timeline for a reconsideration decision

Social Security aims to make a reconsideration decision within 60 days of receiving your request, but the actual time varies. Some decisions come back in 30 days; others take the full 60 days or longer. The clock starts when Social Security receives your reconsideration request, not when you mail it or submit it online.

The 60-day target is a goal, not a may provide. If Social Security needs medical records from your doctors, requests work history from employers, or has a backlog of cases, your decision will take longer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some reconsiderations took several months. Current wait times depend on your local Social Security office and how many cases they are processing.

You can check the status of your reconsideration by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or logging into your my Social Security account online. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative can tell you whether your case is still being reviewed or if a decision has been mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security targets 60 days to decide a reconsideration, but decisions often arrive sooner or take longer depending on the complexity of your case and current office workload.
  • The 60-day clock starts when Social Security receives your reconsideration request, not when you submit it, so allow time for mail delivery if you sent it by post.
  • Requests for medical records or work history from third parties can extend your timeline by weeks or months.
  • You can check your case status by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or through your my Social Security account without waiting for a decision letter.

What happens during the reconsideration review

During reconsideration, a different Social Security examiner reviews your entire case from the start. They look at the original denial, the evidence you submitted with your reconsideration request, and any new medical records or documents you provided. This is not a quick paperwork check—it is a full re-examination of whether you meet the medical requirements for SSDI.

If Social Security needs records you did not include with your request, they will contact your doctors, hospitals, or employers directly. This step adds time. Doctors' offices can take weeks to send records, and Social Security must wait for those records before the examiner can finish the review. If your medical providers are slow to respond, your decision will be delayed.

The examiner may also request a Consultative Examination (CE)—a medical exam paid for by Social Security with a doctor or psychologist they choose. This happens when your medical records are incomplete or outdated. Scheduling the exam, waiting for the results, and having the examiner review those results can add 4 to 8 weeks to your timeline.

Why some reconsiderations take longer than 60 days

Social Security's 60-day target assumes your case is straightforward and all records are available. Many reconsiderations do not fit that description. If you have multiple medical conditions, a long work history, or records from many different providers, the examiner needs more time to review everything.

Backlogs at your local Social Security office also affect timing. Offices in large cities or areas with high disability claim volume may take 90 days or more, even for straightforward cases. You cannot predict your office's backlog, but you can ask when you call whether your office is currently behind schedule.

If Social Security orders a Consultative Examination, add at least 4 to 8 weeks to the standard timeline. The exam itself may take 1 to 2 weeks to schedule, the examination takes a few hours, and the results take another 2 to 4 weeks to reach the examiner. After that, the examiner still needs time to review the exam results and make a decision.

What to do while you wait for your decision

Keep copies of everything you submitted with your reconsideration request. If Social Security contacts you asking for more information or to schedule an exam, respond as quickly as you can. Delays on your end will delay your decision.

If you have new medical evidence—a recent diagnosis, new treatment, or a doctor's statement about your condition—you can submit it while your reconsideration is pending. Send it directly to the Social Security office handling your case, not to the national 1-800 number. Include your Social Security number and a note saying it is for your pending reconsideration.

Do not assume your case is lost if the 60 days pass without a decision. Many reconsiderations take longer and still result in approval. Contact Social Security to check your status rather than waiting for a letter that may still be in process.

What happens after the reconsideration decision arrives

Social Security will mail you a decision letter explaining whether your reconsideration was approved or denied. The letter will include the reasons for the decision and information about your next step if you disagree.

If your reconsideration is approved, the letter will explain when your benefits begin and how much you will receive. Back pay (benefits owed from your original process date) is usually paid in a lump sum within a few weeks of approval.

If your reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the next level of appeal. The hearing process takes longer than reconsideration—typically 4 to 12 months depending on your local hearing office's backlog—but many people who are denied at reconsideration are approved at the hearing level.

Checking your status without calling

Your my Social Security account shows the status of your case online. You can log in anytime to see whether your reconsideration is still under review or if a decision has been made. The account does not show the decision itself—you will still receive the official letter by mail—but it tells you whether to expect a letter soon.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Creating an account takes about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to ask them to hurry my reconsideration?

Calling will not speed up the review, but it will confirm that your case is being processed. If you have new medical evidence or if circumstances have changed significantly since you filed, mention that when you call. Social Security may prioritize cases involving severe medical conditions or hardship, though this is rare.

What if I move during my reconsideration?

Notify Social Security of your new address as soon as possible. Your decision letter will be mailed to the address on file. If you move and do not update your address, you may not receive your decision letter, and you could miss the important date to appeal if you disagree with the decision.

Do I have to wait for the reconsideration decision before I can request a hearing?

No. You can request a hearing before your reconsideration decision arrives, but Social Security will usually finish the reconsideration first. Requesting a hearing early does not speed up either process. Most people wait for the reconsideration decision and then request a hearing if they are denied.

Will my reconsideration take longer if I submitted new medical evidence?

Yes, usually. If you submitted records from new doctors or recent treatment, the examiner must review all of that evidence. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline. However, new medical evidence that clearly supports your case may lead to approval, which is worth the extra wait.

What if Social Security loses my reconsideration request?

This is rare, but if you mailed your request and cannot confirm Social Security received it, send a follow-up letter with copies of everything you submitted the first time. Include a note explaining that you are resubmitting because you want to may support it was received. Keep proof of mailing (a receipt or tracking number) for your records.