A reconsideration usually takes three to six months, but the actual time depends on how complete your new evidence is and how busy your local office is
When you ask Social Security to reconsider a denied disability claim, there is no fixed important date. The agency aims to finish within 60 days, but that target is rarely met. Most people wait between three and six months for a decision. Some wait longer if the case is complicated or if your local office has a backlog. The time also depends on whether you submit all your medical records upfront or whether Social Security has to request them from your doctors.
The clock starts the day Social Security receives your reconsideration request. You can file it online through your my Social Security account, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. Keep proof of when you sent it—a receipt, a confirmation number, or a dated letter. That date matters if you need to know how long you have been waiting.
During reconsideration, a different examiner than the one who denied your claim will review your case from the beginning. They will look at all the evidence you had before, plus anything new you submit. This fresh review is your chance to add medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors that explain why you cannot work.
Key Takeaways
- Reconsideration decisions typically arrive between three and six months after you file, though some cases take longer depending on office workload and case complexity.
- The time frame depends partly on you: submitting complete medical evidence upfront speeds the process, while missing records force Social Security to request them from doctors, which adds weeks.
- A different examiner reviews your case during reconsideration, so new or better-organized medical evidence can change the outcome even if the facts are the same.
- 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, though staff may not have detailed updates until the decision is close.
- If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a separate process with its own timeline.
Why the timeline varies so much between cases
Social Security does not process reconsiderations in a strict order. Cases with complete medical records move faster than cases where doctors have not yet sent in their files. If your doctor's office is slow to respond to records requests, your case sits waiting. If you live in a state with a high volume of disability claims, your local office may have a longer backlog.
The complexity of your medical condition also matters. A straightforward case—where your condition is well-documented and clearly disabling—may be decided in two or three months. A case involving multiple conditions, conflicting medical opinions, or unclear work history can take six months or longer. Some cases are sent to a medical consultant or vocational informed for review, which adds time.
Reconsideration requests filed during high-volume periods, such as late fall and winter, may take longer than those filed in slower months. This is not an official rule, but it reflects the reality of how many offices operate.
What you can do to speed up the process
Submit as much medical evidence as possible when you file your reconsideration request. Do not wait for Social Security to ask for it. Contact your doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers directly and ask them to send your complete medical records to Social Security. Include dates of treatment, test results, medication lists, and any notes about how your condition affects your ability to work.
Write a clear statement explaining why you believe you are disabled and why the first decision was wrong. Point to specific medical evidence that supports your case. If your condition has worsened since the original denial, say so and provide recent medical records as proof.
Keep copies of everything you send. If Social Security says they never received something, you will have proof that you submitted it. Send documents by mail with tracking or deliver them in person to your local office and ask for a receipt.
How to check on your reconsideration status
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your case. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you whether your reconsideration has been received and sometimes whether a decision has been made. They cannot always give you a detailed update on where your case stands in the review process.
If you created a my Social Security account, you can log in to check the status of your claim. The account shows whether your reconsideration request was received and sometimes displays updates as the case moves forward. However, the online status may not update as frequently as a phone call would.
Do not call repeatedly asking for updates. Social Security staff cannot speed up the process, and frequent calls can actually slow things down by taking staff time away from reviewing cases. One call every two months is reasonable if you have not heard anything.
What happens if reconsideration takes longer than six months
If your reconsideration decision takes longer than six months, you have the right to ask why. Call your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain that you have been waiting longer than the typical timeframe and ask whether there is a problem with your case or whether it is straightforward a backlog issue.
You cannot force Social Security to decide faster, but you can ask whether additional evidence or information from you would help move the case along. Sometimes a case is delayed because a medical record is missing or because a doctor has not responded to a request. If that is the case, you can follow up with the doctor yourself and ask them to send the record directly to Social Security.
If your reconsideration is denied and you want to appeal further, you do not have to wait for the decision to arrive by mail. Once you receive notice of the denial, you have 60 days to file a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge. That is your next step in the appeal process.
The difference between reconsideration and a hearing
Reconsideration is a paper review. A different examiner looks at your file and makes a decision based on written evidence. You do not meet anyone or speak to anyone. A hearing is different: you appear before an administrative law judge, either in person or by video, and present your case. You can bring a representative, such as a lawyer or advocate, and the judge can ask you questions.
Hearings take longer to schedule than reconsiderations. Most people wait six months to two years for a hearing date, depending on the backlog in their area. However, a hearing gives you a better chance to explain your situation and to challenge evidence that Social Security is using against you. Many people who are denied at reconsideration are approved at the hearing stage.
What to do while you wait for a decision
Keep all your medical appointments and follow your doctor's treatment plan. Social Security will look at whether you are receiving ongoing medical care. If you stop seeing doctors or stop taking prescribed medication, it can hurt your case, even if the reason is financial hardship.
Continue to document how your condition affects your daily life. Write down specific examples of tasks you cannot do, pain or symptoms you experience, and how your condition has changed. If you have a good day and a bad day, note both. This kind of detail can be powerful evidence if your case goes to a hearing.
If your financial situation is urgent and you cannot wait for the reconsideration decision, ask Social Security whether you are may be able to access for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other emergency information programs. These are separate from your disability claim and may help while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request expedited reconsideration to get a faster decision?
Social Security does not have an official expedited reconsideration process. However, if you have a medical emergency or severe financial hardship, you can call your local office and explain the situation. Staff may be able to prioritize your case, though there is no may provide. Providing complete medical evidence upfront is the most reliable way to speed up the review.
What if I submit new medical evidence after I file for reconsideration?
You can submit new evidence at any time before a decision is made. Send it directly to your local Social Security office with a cover letter explaining what it is and why it is relevant to your case. Keep a copy for your records. New evidence can sometimes extend the timeline because the examiner has to review it, but it may also improve your chances of approval.
Does reconsideration take longer if I have a representative?
No. Having a lawyer or advocate does not speed up or slow down reconsideration. However, a representative can help you gather and organize medical evidence, which can reduce delays caused by missing records. They can also communicate with Social Security on your behalf, which may save you time.
What happens if Social Security loses my reconsideration request?
If you have proof that you submitted your reconsideration request (a receipt, tracking number, or dated letter), Social Security should be able to locate it. If they cannot find it, you can file again. Keep the proof of your first submission in case you need to show that you filed within the 60-day window from your original denial.
Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?
Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration decision. However, if you earn more than the monthly limit set by Social Security (which varies by year), it may affect your benefits if you are approved. Ask Social Security what the current earnings limit is and whether your work will impact your case.