The reconsideration timeline: what to expect

Social Security aims to complete reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your request, but the actual time ranges from 30 days to several months depending on your state, the complexity of your case, and how busy your local office is. The 60-day target is not a may provide—it is a goal that Social Security publishes but does not always meet. Many cases finish faster; some take longer.

The clock starts when Social Security receives your written reconsideration request, not when you think about filing it. If you mail your request, allow time for postal delivery before the agency marks it received. If you file in person at your local Social Security office or through your representative, the date is recorded when ready.

Your case moves through reconsideration in stages, and each stage takes time. A different examiner reviews your file, orders new medical evidence if needed, and writes a decision. If that examiner needs records from your doctors or hospitals, the wait for those records alone can add weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security targets 60 days for reconsideration but many cases take longer, especially if new medical evidence must be ordered.
  • The timeline starts when Social Security receives your written request, not when you mail it, so confirm receipt if you use the mail.
  • Your state and local office workload affect speed; some offices finish in 30 days while others take 90 to 120 days.
  • You can check the status of your reconsideration by calling Social Security or logging into your my Social Security account online.

Why reconsideration takes longer than you might expect

Reconsideration is not a quick review of the same file. A completely different examiner at Social Security looks at your case from the start. If your original denial said the evidence did not show you could not work, the reconsideration examiner may order new medical records, ask your doctors for more detail, or request a consultative exam—a medical evaluation paid for by Social Security to fill gaps in the file.

Ordering and receiving medical records is the single biggest reason reconsideration takes time. Social Security sends requests to your doctors, hospitals, and clinics. Those offices have their own backlogs. A hospital records department might take three weeks just to copy and mail your file. If your doctor has retired or moved, finding the records takes even longer.

If Social Security orders a consultative exam, add another two to four weeks. The agency contracts with independent doctors in your area. Scheduling the exam, waiting for the doctor to examine you, and waiting for the report to reach Social Security all add to the timeline.

How your state and local office affect the timeline

Social Security is organized by state and region, and workload varies dramatically. Some state offices process reconsiderations in 30 to 45 days. Others regularly take 90 to 120 days. This is not because some offices work harder—it is because some receive far more cases than others. A rural office in Montana may move faster than a large office in California straightforward because fewer people file there.

You cannot choose which office handles your case, but you can find out which one does. Call your local Social Security office and ask which Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state is reviewing your reconsideration. That office's typical processing time is public information, though it changes month to month.

Seasonal patterns also matter. Social Security offices often see higher volume in winter months when people file after the holidays. Summer can be slower. This is not a rule—it varies by region—but it is worth knowing if you are trying to estimate when your decision might arrive.

What happens during the waiting period

While you wait, Social Security is building a new file. The reconsideration examiner reads your original process and the denial letter, then decides what evidence is missing or unclear. They may contact your doctors directly by phone to ask specific questions about your condition, your medications, your treatment history, and your functional limitations.

If you submitted new medical records with your reconsideration request, the examiner reviews those too. They compare what your doctors say about your condition to the Social Security rules for disability in your age group and with your work history. They check whether your condition meets or equals one of Social Security's listed impairments, or whether your condition prevents you from doing any work you have done in the past 15 years.

You do not hear from Social Security during this process unless they need something from you. If they order a consultative exam, you will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location. If they need you to provide additional information or records, they will send you a letter asking for it. Respond quickly—delays on your end extend the overall timeline.

Checking the status of your reconsideration

You can check on your case without waiting passively. Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and look for your case status under "Benefit process Status." This tool shows whether your case is still under review, whether Social Security has requested records, and sometimes whether a decision is being prepared.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about your reconsideration status. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you whether your case is still pending, whether records have been received, and sometimes an estimate of when you might hear back.

Calling does not speed up the process, but it does give you information. If Social Security says they are still waiting for records from your doctor, you can call your doctor's office and ask them to send the records to Social Security. If they say a decision is being prepared, you know one is coming soon.

What to do if reconsideration takes longer than expected

If more than 90 days have passed and you have not heard back, contact your local Social Security office. Ask specifically whether your case is still in reconsideration or whether it has moved to the Appeals Council stage. Sometimes cases are transferred without the claimant knowing.

If your reconsideration takes longer than six months, you have the right to request that Social Security issue a decision based on the evidence already in your file, rather than waiting for additional records. This is called a "decision on the record." You can ask for this in writing or by calling Social Security. A decision on the record is not always favorable, but it ends the waiting period.

If reconsideration is denied and you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal to the Appeals Council. That appeal has its own timeline—typically 90 days to two years depending on the Appeals Council's workload. You do not have to wait for reconsideration to finish before planning your next step; you can read the denial letter and decide whether to appeal as soon as it arrives.

How a representative can affect your timeline

If you have a lawyer or non-lawyer representative handling your case, they receive copies of all Social Security correspondence. They can also contact Social Security on your behalf to check status, request records, and ask questions. Having a representative does not speed up Social Security's internal process, but it can prevent delays caused by you missing important date or not responding to requests.

Representatives are particularly useful if Social Security orders a consultative exam. Your representative can make sure you show up on time, can ask the examining doctor to be thorough, and can request a copy of the exam report to review before Social Security makes a decision.

If you are considering hiring a representative, do it early in reconsideration rather than waiting. A representative who has been on your case since the initial process knows your file inside and out and can spot what evidence is missing before Social Security has to order it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to make reconsideration go faster?

Calling does not speed up the examiner's work, but it can prevent delays on your end. If Social Security is waiting for medical records, calling your doctor to push them to send records can help. If you are supposed to attend a consultative exam and you have not received the notice, calling Social Security to confirm the details prevents you from missing the appointment.

What if I submit new medical evidence during reconsideration—does that restart the clock?

No. Submitting new evidence does not restart the 60-day clock, but it does add time to the process because the examiner has to review the new material. Send new evidence as soon as you have it rather than waiting, so the examiner can include it in their review from the beginning.

Does reconsideration take longer if I disagree with the medical evidence in my file?

Not automatically, but if you believe the medical evidence is wrong or incomplete, tell Social Security in writing when you file your reconsideration request. Point out specifically what is missing or incorrect. The examiner will then know to look for that evidence, which may add time but improves your chances of approval.

What happens if Social Security loses my reconsideration request?

If you mailed your request and Social Security says they never received it, you can file again. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you filed in person or through a representative, ask for written confirmation of the filing date. If Social Security loses your request, the new filing date becomes the start of the 60-day clock.

Can I work while reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration timeline or your chances of approval. If you earn money during reconsideration and your case is approved, Social Security will calculate your benefits based on your work history, not on work you did while waiting for a decision.