Reconsideration typically takes three to five months, though some cases move faster and others take longer
When Social Security reviews your case a second time after an initial denial, that review is called reconsideration. The time it takes depends on how busy your local office is, whether you submit new medical evidence, and how straightforward your case is. Most people hear back between 90 and 150 days, but you should plan for up to six months and be pleasantly surprised if it comes sooner.
The clock starts when Social Security receives your reconsideration request, not when you mail it. If you submit your request in person or online through your Social Security account, you have a record of the exact date. If you mail it, allow extra time for it to arrive, and consider sending it certified mail so you can confirm receipt.
During reconsideration, Social Security assigns your case to a different examiner than the one who made the first decision. That examiner will look at everything in your file again—your medical records, work history, and any new evidence you submitted. They are not bound by the first decision and can overturn it, but they start from scratch rather than assuming the first examiner was right.
Key Takeaways
- Reconsideration decisions usually arrive between three and five months after Social Security receives your request, though timing varies by location and case complexity.
- Submitting new medical evidence—recent test results, doctor's statements, or updated treatment records—can slow the process slightly but often improves your chances of approval.
- You can check the status of your reconsideration request by logging into your Social Security account online or calling 1-800-772-1213 after 30 days have passed.
- If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a separate process with its own timeline.
Why timing varies so much between cases
Social Security offices are not equally busy everywhere. A rural office with fewer cases may process reconsiderations in 60 to 90 days, while an urban office handling thousands of cases might take five or six months. There is no way to know your local office's current backlog before you submit, and Social Security does not publish these numbers.
New medical evidence also affects timing. If you submit recent test results, imaging, or a detailed statement from your doctor, the examiner may need to request those records directly from the provider, which adds weeks. If your file already contains recent medical records and you are not submitting anything new, the review moves faster because the examiner is working only with what is already there.
The complexity of your condition matters too. A straightforward case—where your medical records clearly show you cannot work—may be decided in two months. A case where your condition is less obvious or where your work history is complicated can take longer because the examiner needs more time to weigh the evidence.
What to do while you are waiting
Do not assume your case is lost just because the first decision was no. Reconsideration overturns the initial decision in roughly 10 to 15 percent of cases, which is not a high rate but is real. Many people are approved at the reconsideration stage because they submitted stronger medical evidence or because a different examiner sees the case differently.
If you are working or have started working since your denial, tell Social Security when ready. Work activity can affect your case, and reporting it yourself is better than having them discover it during the review. You can report work by calling 1-800-772-1213 or through your online account.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If you mail medical records, new statements from your doctor, or any other documents, make a copy for yourself before sending them. Write down the date you sent them and what was included. If Social Security says they never received something, you will have proof that you sent it.
Do not wait until the last minute to gather new evidence. If you have seen a doctor since your denial, ask for copies of those visit notes and any test results. If your condition has worsened, ask your doctor to write a statement saying so and explaining how it affects your ability to work. The sooner you submit this, the sooner the examiner can review it.
Checking the status of your reconsideration
You can check on your case after 30 days have passed. The fastest way is to log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you are signed in, look for "Benefit Applications" or "My Requests" and select your reconsideration case. The status will show whether it is still under review or if a decision has been made.
If you do not have an online account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number ready. They can tell you whether your case is still being reviewed and sometimes can give you a rough estimate of when you might hear back, though they cannot always do this.
Do not call repeatedly asking for updates. Social Security representatives cannot speed up the review, and frequent calls do not change the timeline. One call every four to six weeks is reasonable if you have not heard anything; more than that is unlikely to help.
What the decision letter will tell you
When Social Security makes a reconsideration decision, they send you a letter explaining it. If you are approved, the letter will say so and tell you when your benefits begin. If you are denied again, the letter will explain the reason and tell you about your next option: requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Read the decision letter carefully, even if it is a denial. It will explain which parts of your medical evidence Social Security found convincing and which parts they did not. This information is useful if you decide to request a hearing, because you will know what the judge will be looking at and what additional evidence might help your case.
The letter will also tell you how long you have to request a hearing. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file. If you miss that important date, you can still request a hearing, but you will need to explain to Social Security why you missed it, and they may deny your request.
If reconsideration is denied: what comes next
A hearing before an administrative law judge is the next step if reconsideration is denied. This is a separate process with a different timeline. Hearings typically take four to six months to schedule from the date you request one, though some areas have longer waits. The hearing itself is usually conducted by phone or video, and it lasts 15 to 45 minutes.
You do not need a lawyer for a hearing, but many people find one helpful. A lawyer who handles Social Security cases can review your file, identify weak spots, and help you prepare. Some lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and they take a portion of your back pay as their fee.
If the judge denies you at the hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, which is another level of review. That process takes several more months. Very few cases are overturned at the Appeals Council level, but it is an option if you believe the judge made an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I speed up reconsideration by submitting more evidence?
Submitting strong new medical evidence does not speed up the process, but it can improve your chances of approval. The examiner will take time to review whatever you submit, which might add a few weeks. However, evidence that clearly shows you cannot work is worth the delay.
What if I do not receive a decision after six months?
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about your case status. Delays beyond six months are unusual but do happen. A representative can check whether your file is still under review or if there is a problem holding up your decision.
Do I have to wait for reconsideration to finish before I can request a hearing?
No. If reconsideration is taking longer than you expected, you can request a hearing while reconsideration is still pending. However, most people wait for the reconsideration decision first, because if you are approved at that stage, you do not need a hearing.
Will I receive back pay if I am approved at reconsideration?
Yes. If you are approved at reconsideration, your benefits are usually backdated to the month you originally filed. The amount you receive depends on when your disability began according to Social Security's assessment, not when you applied.
What happens to my medical records after reconsideration?
Social Security keeps your file, including all medical records and evidence you submitted. If you request a hearing, the judge will have access to everything in your file. You do not need to resubmit documents unless they have been lost or if you have new evidence since reconsideration.