Reconsideration typically takes three to six months, though some cases move faster or slower depending on your state and the complexity of your medical evidence

When Social Security denies your SSDI claim, you have 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration—a formal appeal that sends your case to a different examiner who reviews it from the start. That examiner is not bound by the first decision. The time from when you file the reconsideration request to when you receive a decision varies widely. Most people hear back between 90 and 180 days, but cases involving complex medical records, multiple conditions, or states with high case volume can stretch to nine months or longer.

The clock starts when Social Security receives your signed reconsideration request. If you mail it, allow a week for it to arrive before the official filing date. If you file online through your my Social Security account, the date stamps when ready. Social Security does not send you a confirmation letter with an expected decision date—you will need to check your account or call 1-800-772-1213 to track progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Reconsideration decisions usually arrive between three and six months after you file, though complex cases can take longer.
  • A different examiner reviews your entire case, and you can submit new medical evidence up until a decision is made.
  • You can check the status of your reconsideration by logging into your my Social Security account or calling the toll-free number.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which typically takes another 12 to 18 months.
  • While your reconsideration is pending, you cannot work and earn more than the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity limit without affecting your case.

Why the timeline varies by state and case type

Social Security processes reconsiderations through regional offices, and workload differs dramatically. States with large populations and high claim volume—California, Texas, New York, Florida—often see longer wait times. Rural states and those with fewer pending cases may process reconsiderations in 60 to 90 days. The agency does not publish state-by-state timelines, so you cannot know in advance which category your state falls into.

The complexity of your medical condition also matters. A reconsideration for a straightforward condition—a single clear diagnosis with consistent treatment records—may move through in three months. A case involving multiple diagnoses, conflicting medical opinions, or gaps in treatment history requires the examiner to spend more time weighing evidence, which can add two to four months to the timeline.

If you submit new medical evidence after you file the reconsideration request, Social Security must review it, which can pause the clock while they wait for records from your doctors. Requesting records yourself and submitting them directly to Social Security often speeds this up compared to waiting for Social Security to request them on your behalf.

What happens to your case during reconsideration

Your reconsideration file goes to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state—a separate unit from the one that made the first decision. The new examiner pulls your entire file: the original process, the first denial letter, your medical records, any work history, and any new evidence you have submitted. They do not start from scratch, but they are required to make an independent judgment rather than straightforward rubber-stamp the first decision.

The examiner may request updated medical records from your doctors if your treatment has continued since the first decision. This request goes directly to the medical provider, and providers typically respond within two to four weeks. If a provider is slow to respond, it delays the examiner's ability to finish the case. You can speed this up by calling your doctor's office, explaining that Social Security has requested records for a disability reconsideration, and asking them to prioritize the response.

You can submit new medical evidence at any point during the reconsideration period—up until the moment a decision is issued. If you have recent test results, a new diagnosis, or a letter from your doctor describing how your condition has worsened, send it to the DDS office handling your case. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a brief note explaining what the evidence shows. Mail it to the address on your reconsideration notice, or upload it through your my Social Security account if that option is available in your state.

How to check the status of your reconsideration

The most reliable way to track your case is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in, go to "Manage Your Representative Payee or Appeal," and select your case. The status page shows whether your reconsideration is "pending," "under review," or ready for decision. This page updates as your case moves through stages, though the updates are not always real-time.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you whether your reconsideration has been received, which DDS office is handling it, and approximately how long cases typically take in your state. They cannot tell you a specific decision date, but they can confirm that your case is moving through the system.

Do not expect frequent updates. Social Security does not send status letters during reconsideration unless something is wrong—for example, if they need additional information from you. Silence usually means your case is progressing normally.

What to do if your reconsideration takes longer than six months

If nine months have passed since you filed and you have not received a decision, contact Social Security to confirm your case has not stalled. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your reconsideration is still pending and which office is handling it. Occasionally a file gets misfiled or lost in the system, and a phone call can get it back on track.

If your case has genuinely been pending for an unusually long time, you have the right to request that Social Security expedite it. This is rare and requires showing that the delay is causing you hardship—for example, you are facing eviction or have exhausted your savings. You would need to contact a disability advocate or attorney to make this request formally, as Social Security does not have a standard expedite process for reconsiderations.

Keep in mind that even if reconsideration takes longer than expected, you are not losing ground. The decision date is based on when you filed, not when the decision arrives. If you are eventually approved, your back pay will include all the months from your original process date forward, regardless of how long the reconsideration took.

What happens after reconsideration is denied

If the reconsideration examiner upholds the denial, you receive a new decision letter explaining why. You then have 60 days to file a Request for Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge—the next level of appeal. This is where most SSDI cases are actually won; judges overturn denials at a higher rate than examiners do, but the wait for a hearing is much longer: typically 12 to 18 months depending on your state and the judge's caseload.

During those 12 to 18 months, your case is in limbo. You cannot work above the Substantial Gainful Activity limit without jeopardizing your case. You are not receiving benefits. Your medical condition may have changed. This is why many people consult with a disability attorney or representative after reconsideration is denied—having someone represent you at the hearing stage can improve your odds and help you prepare evidence in the format judges actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

You can work, but only if your earnings stay below the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity limit—$1,550 per month in 2024 (this amount changes yearly). If you earn more than that in any month, Social Security may view it as evidence that you can work and deny your reconsideration. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked.

What if I get new medical evidence after I file reconsideration?

Submit it when ready to the DDS office listed on your reconsideration notice. Include your name, Social Security number, and a cover letter explaining what the evidence shows. New evidence can change the outcome, but only if the examiner receives it before the decision is issued. Once a decision is mailed, new evidence cannot be considered unless you appeal to a judge.

Does reconsideration ever get approved faster than three months?

Yes, though it is uncommon. If your case is straightforward and you have strong medical evidence, some DDS offices approve reconsiderations in 60 to 90 days. Cases involving obvious disability—terminal illness, recent amputation, severe cognitive impairment with clear documentation—sometimes move faster, but Social Security does not prioritize based on severity.

What if the DDS office loses my file?

If your case has been pending longer than nine months with no update, call Social Security to confirm it is still in the system. Ask for the specific DDS office handling your case and the name of the examiner if possible. If the file was genuinely lost, Social Security will restart the process, but you keep your original filing date for back-pay purposes.

Can I hire a representative to speed up my reconsideration?

A representative cannot speed up the examiner's review, but they can make sure your evidence is organized, complete, and submitted on time. Hiring a representative is most useful if you plan to appeal to a hearing, since judges are more likely to overturn denials when a representative presents the case. Representatives typically charge a fee only if you win, capped at 25 percent of your back pay.