Timeline for SSDI Reconsideration

Social Security aims to complete reconsideration within 60 days, but the actual time is usually longer. Most reconsiderations take between 3 and 6 months from the date you file your Request for Reconsideration until you receive a decision. Some cases stretch to 9 months or beyond, particularly if Social Security needs to order new medical evidence or if your case involves complex medical or vocational issues.

The 60-day target is an internal Social Security goal, not a legal important date. There is no law that forces Social Security to decide by a specific date. The agency publishes average processing times by state and by disability information service (DDS), the state agency that actually reviews your case. These averages change monthly and vary widely — some states average 90 days, others 180 days or more.

You can check the current average for your state on the Social Security website under "Disability and SSI Processing Times by State." That number is your best estimate of how long your reconsideration will take, though individual cases often fall outside the average.

Key Takeaways

  • Reconsideration typically takes 3 to 6 months, though Social Security's stated goal is 60 days and some cases take 9 months or longer.
  • Processing time depends on your state's disability information service, the complexity of your medical condition, and whether Social Security needs to order new medical records or consultative exams.
  • You can check your state's current average processing time on the Social Security website, which updates monthly.
  • You will not hear anything from Social Security during most of the reconsideration period — silence does not mean your case is stalled.
  • If reconsideration takes longer than your state's published average plus 30 days, you can contact your local Social Security office or your state's disability information service to ask for a status update.

What Happens During Reconsideration

Reconsideration is a complete re-review of your case by a different examiner and doctor at your state's disability information service. They look at all the evidence you submitted the first time, plus any new medical records or statements you included with your reconsideration request. They do not straightforward rubber-stamp the first decision — they are supposed to give your case fresh consideration.

The examiner will order medical records from your doctors if those records are missing or outdated. If your medical history is thin or unclear, Social Security may schedule a consultative examination (CE) — a one-time appointment with a doctor Social Security pays to examine you. This step adds time to the process because Social Security has to find an available examiner, schedule you, wait for the exam to happen, and then wait for the report to come back.

During this entire period, you will not receive updates. Social Security does not send progress notices during reconsideration. You will not know whether your case is being reviewed, whether records have arrived, or whether an exam has been scheduled unless you call and ask.

Why Reconsideration Takes Longer Than 60 Days

The 60-day goal assumes your medical records are already in the file and no new exam is needed. In practice, that rarely happens. Doctors' offices are slow to send records, and Social Security often finds gaps in the evidence. If your condition involves multiple specialists or hospitalizations, gathering complete records can take 4 to 8 weeks on its own.

Consultative exams add significant time. Social Security has to identify an available examiner in your area, send you a notice of the appointment, wait for you to attend, and then wait for the examiner to write and submit the report. This process typically adds 6 to 10 weeks to your case.

Backlogs at your state's disability information service also matter. During periods of high volume — often in winter months — processing slows across the board. Some states have chronic backlogs that push average times to 6 months or longer year-round.

Checking the Status of Your Reconsideration

You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your case, but the representative may not have detailed information. They can tell you whether your request was received and whether a decision has been made, but they usually cannot tell you what stage your case is in or when to expect a decision.

For more detailed status information, contact your state's disability information service directly. The DDS phone number is listed on the Social Security website under your state. The DDS examiner or a supervisor can often tell you whether records have been received, whether an exam has been ordered, or whether a decision is being written.

If your reconsideration has taken longer than your state's published average plus 30 days, ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain that your case appears to be delayed and ask whether there is anything missing or holding up the decision. Sometimes a call to a supervisor can move a stalled case forward.

What to Do While You Wait

Continue to see your doctors and keep records of your treatment. If your condition changes or you start new medications or therapy, document that. Any new medical evidence you gather during reconsideration can be submitted to Social Security at any time before a decision is made — you do not have to wait for the reconsideration period to end.

If Social Security schedules a consultative exam, attend it. Missing the appointment will likely result in a denial. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, call the exam office when ready to reschedule.

Do not assume silence means your case is denied or approved. Social Security will mail you a formal decision letter when reconsideration is complete. That letter will explain the decision and tell you how to appeal further if you disagree.

What Happens After Reconsideration Ends

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If reconsideration is approved, you will receive a notice explaining your benefit amount and when payments will start. If reconsideration is denied, the notice will explain the reasons and tell you that you have 60 days to file an appeal to the next level, which is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The decision letter will also tell you whether you can request a hearing on the record (meaning the ALJ reviews your written file without a live hearing) or whether you must attend a hearing in person or by video. Most people request a hearing because the approval rate at the hearing level is significantly higher than at reconsideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to speed up my reconsideration?

Calling Social Security's main line rarely speeds up processing. Your best option is to contact your state's disability information service directly and ask a supervisor whether anything is missing from your file. If records are delayed, you can sometimes help by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send records directly to the DDS.

What if I get new medical evidence while reconsideration is pending?

Send it to Social Security when ready. Write a cover letter explaining what the evidence is and why it is relevant, then mail it to the address on your reconsideration request letter. Social Security will add it to your file before the decision is made.

Does reconsideration take longer if I have a lawyer?

No. Processing time is the same whether you represent yourself or have a lawyer. A lawyer cannot speed up Social Security's review, but they can help you gather evidence and prepare for the next appeal if reconsideration is denied.

What if my reconsideration takes much longer than the state average?

Contact your state's disability information service and ask for a supervisor. Explain that your case has exceeded the state average by a significant margin and ask what is causing the delay. If records are missing, you can help locate them. If an exam is pending, you can confirm your availability.

Can I file a new process instead of waiting for reconsideration?

You can, but it is not advisable. Filing a new process restarts the clock and you lose the effective date of your original claim. Most people are better off waiting for reconsideration to finish, and if it is denied, appealing to a hearing before an ALJ.