Reconsideration typically takes three to five months from the day you file until you receive a decision

A reconsideration is the first level of appeal after Social Security denies your SSDI claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not publish a single national timeline—processing speed depends on your state, the complexity of your medical records, and how busy your local office is. Most people wait between 90 and 150 days, though some cases stretch to six months or longer.

The clock starts when SSA receives your written request for reconsideration, not when you think about filing. If you miss the 60-day important date to request reconsideration after your initial denial, you lose the right to this appeal level and must jump straight to a hearing before an administrative law judge—a longer and more formal process.

During reconsideration, a different examiner reviews your entire file from scratch. They look at the same medical evidence you submitted the first time, plus any new records you add. They do not hold a hearing or interview you unless they decide they need more information. Most reconsiderations are decided on paper alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Reconsideration decisions usually arrive between three and five months after you file, though some cases take longer depending on your state and medical complexity.
  • You must request reconsideration in writing within 60 days of your initial denial letter, or you lose this appeal level permanently.
  • A different examiner reviews your case from the beginning, but you will not attend a hearing unless SSA asks for more information in person.
  • Approval rates at reconsideration are low—roughly 10 to 15 percent nationally—so most people who are denied at this stage move on to request a hearing.
  • You can submit new medical evidence during reconsideration, and doing so may slow the timeline by a few weeks but can strengthen your case.

Why reconsideration takes as long as it does

SSA processes reconsiderations in the order they arrive, but the queue is not uniform across the country. States with large populations and high claim volumes—California, Texas, New York, Florida—often have longer waits than rural states. A reconsideration filed in Wyoming may be decided in 60 days; the same case filed in Los Angeles might take 150 days.

The examiner assigned to your case must obtain all your medical records from every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider you listed. If a provider is slow to send records or if you saw many providers, that alone can add four to eight weeks. The examiner then reads the records, summarizes them, and writes a detailed decision explaining why they agree or disagree with the initial denial.

If SSA needs clarification—for example, if your doctor's notes are unclear or if you claim a condition that was not mentioned in your initial process—they may send you a form asking for more information. Responding to that form can add two to four weeks to your timeline.

What to do while you wait for a reconsideration decision

Do not assume your case is moving forward just because you filed. Contact SSA after 30 days to confirm they received your request. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Ask for a case number and the name of the examiner assigned to your file, if available. Write down the date you called and the name of the person who helped you.

If you have new medical evidence—recent test results, a new diagnosis, a letter from your doctor—submit it in writing as soon as you have it. Include a cover letter explaining what the evidence is and why it matters to your case. Send it to the address on your denial letter, marked "Attention: Reconsideration Unit." Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Do not wait until the last moment to gather records. If you think your initial file was missing important medical evidence, start collecting it now. Contact your doctors' offices directly and ask them to send records to SSA. Many offices charge a small fee for copies, usually $10 to $25 per request.

Approval rates and what happens if you are denied again

Roughly 10 to 15 percent of reconsiderations result in approval, depending on the state and type of disability. That means 85 to 90 percent of people who are denied initially are also denied at reconsideration. This is not because examiners are harsh—it is because the same medical standard applies at every level. If your medical records do not show that your condition prevents you from working, no appeal level will overturn the denial.

If you are denied at reconsideration, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a different process: you will meet with a judge (usually by video or phone), present your case, and have a chance to explain your disability in your own words. Judges approve roughly 40 to 50 percent of cases that reach them, so the hearing is often where people's cases succeed.

If you are approved at reconsideration, SSA will send you a new decision letter explaining the approval and when your benefits begin. Back pay—money owed from your process date—is usually paid within two to four weeks after approval.

How to request reconsideration and meet the important date

Your initial denial letter includes a form called SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration). You can use this form, or you can write a straightforward letter stating that you want to appeal your denial and request reconsideration. Either way, sign and date it, and include your Social Security number.

Mail your request to the address listed on your denial letter. Do not mail it to the national SSA office in Baltimore—send it to your local or regional office. The 60-day important date is measured from the date on your denial letter, not the date you receive it. If your denial letter is dated January 1, you have until March 1 to file, even if the letter arrived late.

If the 60th day falls on a weekend or holiday, you can file the next business day and still be on time. If you miss the important date, you cannot request reconsideration. Your only option then is to request a hearing, which is a longer process but may still be worth pursuing.

Reconsideration versus continuing disability review

Do not confuse reconsideration with a continuing disability review (CDR). A reconsideration is an appeal of a denial. A CDR is a periodic check that SSA conducts on people already receiving SSDI benefits to make sure they still meet the medical standard. A CDR can result in a reduction or termination of benefits, but it is a separate process with its own timeline and appeal rights.

If you are currently receiving SSDI and SSA sends you a form asking about your condition, that is likely a CDR, not a reconsideration. Respond to it promptly. If SSA later decides to reduce or stop your benefits based on a CDR, you can request reconsideration of that decision using the same process described here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for a reconsideration decision?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration timeline or your chances of approval. However, if you earn more than the monthly substantial gainful activity amount (which changes each year), SSA may use your current work as evidence that you can work and deny your appeal. Report any work to SSA in writing so there is no confusion about your income.

What if I move or change my phone number during reconsideration?

Notify SSA when ready in writing. Include your case number, old address, new address, and new phone number. Send it to the office address on your denial letter. If SSA cannot reach you and you miss a request for information, they may deny your reconsideration by default.

Can I hire a representative to help with reconsideration?

Yes. A disability lawyer or non-lawyer representative can file the reconsideration request on your behalf and communicate with SSA. They cannot speed up the timeline, but they can make sure your case is presented clearly. Most representatives charge a fee only if you are approved, usually 25 percent of back pay, up to a legal maximum.

What if SSA loses my reconsideration request?

If you sent it by regular mail and SSA says they never received it, you have a problem. This is why certified mail is worth the extra cost. If you have proof of mailing (a receipt from the post office), you can ask SSA to reopen your case. If you do not have proof, you may have missed the 60-day important date and lost your right to reconsideration.

Does submitting new medical evidence delay my reconsideration?

Usually by a few weeks, yes. The examiner must wait for the new records to arrive, review them, and incorporate them into the decision. But new evidence that strengthens your case is worth the delay. Old evidence that was already in your file will not change the outcome.