What a Reconsideration Appeal Is and What It Requires

A reconsideration is your first formal appeal after Social Security denies your SSDI claim. It means Social Security will review your case again, usually with a different examiner, and consider any new medical evidence you submit. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file—that date matters because filing after 60 days closes this path unless you have a good reason for the delay.

The reconsideration process is free. You do not need a lawyer to file, though some people hire one at this stage. Social Security will not automatically reconsider your case; you must request it in writing or in person at your local Social Security office.

A reconsideration is not the same as asking Social Security to look at a mistake in paperwork. It is a full re-review of whether your medical condition meets the definition of disability under SSDI rules. This means you should gather new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors that were not in your original file—or that explain your condition more clearly than the original evidence did.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your denial letter to request reconsideration, and missing this important date closes the reconsideration path unless you can show good cause for the delay.
  • File using Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration), available at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov, and submit it in person, by mail, or online through your my Social Security account.
  • Include new or clarified medical evidence—recent test results, updated doctor statements, or records from specialists—because reconsideration succeeds most often when you add information that was not in your original file.
  • Social Security will assign a different examiner to review your case, and the process typically takes 3 to 6 months, though timing varies by office.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is the next step in the appeal process.

Gathering Medical Evidence Before You File

The single most important thing you can do before filing reconsideration is collect medical records that strengthen your case. Social Security denied your claim because the evidence in your file did not show that your condition was severe enough to prevent work. New or more detailed evidence is your best chance at approval.

Contact every doctor, specialist, hospital, and clinic that has treated you since your original process. Ask for copies of recent visit notes, test results, imaging reports, and any statements your doctor has written about your ability to work. If you have seen a new doctor since your denial, that record is especially valuable. If your condition has worsened, ask your current doctor to write a statement saying so and explaining how it affects your daily activities and work capacity.

Do not wait for Social Security to request these records. Gather them yourself and include them with your reconsideration request. The faster you submit them, the faster the examiner can review them. If you cannot get all records before filing, you can submit them later, but filing with strong evidence from the start improves your chances.

Completing Form SSA-561-U2

Form SSA-561-U2 is the official request for reconsideration. You can get it at your local Social Security office, read it from ssa.gov, or request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213. The form is short—usually one or two pages—and asks for basic information: your name, Social Security number, the date of your denial letter, and whether you have new evidence to submit.

In the section for new evidence, list every medical record, test result, or doctor statement you are including. Be specific: write the date of the record, the doctor's or facility's name, and what the record shows (for example, "MRI of lumbar spine dated March 2024 showing two herniated discs"). This helps the examiner locate the evidence in your file and understand what you are submitting.

You do not need to write a long explanation on the form itself. The form is just the official request. Your medical records and any cover letter will do the talking. If you want to write a brief statement explaining why you believe you are disabled, you can attach it, but keep it to one page and focus on how your condition affects your ability to work—not on your financial need or how long you have been waiting.

Where and How to Submit Your Reconsideration Request

You have three ways to file: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through your my Social Security account if you have one set up.

In person: Bring the completed Form SSA-561-U2 and all your medical evidence to your local Social Security office. Ask for a receipt showing the date you filed. This is the safest method because you have proof of submission on the spot.

By mail: Send Form SSA-561-U2 and copies of all medical records to the Social Security office that handled your original claim. The address is on your denial letter. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send.

Online: If you have a my Social Security account, you can upload your reconsideration request and documents through the portal. You will receive a confirmation number. This method is fast, but make sure all documents are clear and readable before uploading.

Do not send originals of medical records—always send copies. Social Security will keep the copies in your file. If you need the originals for another doctor or purpose, keep them for yourself.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your reconsideration request, Social Security will send you a notice confirming receipt. This usually arrives within two weeks. The notice will include a case number and the name of the examiner assigned to your reconsideration.

The examiner will review your entire file—your original process, the reason for the denial, and all new medical evidence you submitted. The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, though some offices move faster or slower depending on caseload. You can call Social Security to ask about the status of your case, but do not expect frequent updates.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you or your doctor directly. If your doctor does not respond, the examiner may make a decision based on what is already in the file. If you know Social Security is waiting for a record, follow up with your doctor's office to make sure it gets sent.

Understanding the Possible Outcomes

Social Security will send you a written decision. There are three possible outcomes: approval, denial, or remand.

Approval means Social Security has determined that your condition meets the SSDI definition of disability. You will receive back pay from the date of your original process (minus any trial work period earnings), and your benefits will begin the following month. The letter will explain your payment amount and when your first check arrives.

Denial means the examiner reviewed your case and still found that your medical condition does not prevent you from working. The letter will explain the reason. If you disagree, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is your next step in the appeal process and is often where cases are won because a judge can weigh your testimony and your doctor's testimony directly.

Remand is rare at reconsideration but means Social Security found an error in how your case was handled and is sending it back to the original office to be reviewed again. A remand is usually good news because it signals that something in the process went wrong in your favor.

When to Consider Hiring a Representative

You can file reconsideration on your own, and many people do. However, some people hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative (called a "may have access to representative") to help. A representative can gather medical evidence, write statements, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf.

Representatives are paid only if you win—they receive a fee from your back pay, capped at 25 percent of the back pay amount or $7,200, whichever is less. This means there is no upfront cost to you. If you lose, your representative gets nothing.

You do not need a representative to win reconsideration. Many cases are approved without one. But if your medical history is complex, if you have had multiple denials, or if you are unsure how to present your evidence, a representative can be helpful. You can hire one at reconsideration, or wait and hire one for the hearing stage if reconsideration is denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the 60-day important date to request reconsideration?

You can still file if you have "good cause"—a reason beyond your control for the delay, such as serious illness, a death in the family, or a postal error. You must explain the reason in writing when you file late. Social Security will decide whether your reason is acceptable. If they deny your late request, you can still appeal to a judge, but it is better to file on time.

Can I request reconsideration more than once?

No. You get one reconsideration. If it is denied, your next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You cannot ask for a second reconsideration.

Do I have to include new medical evidence to win reconsideration?

No, but it helps significantly. If your original evidence was incomplete or unclear, new records or a clearer statement from your doctor can change the outcome. If nothing has changed medically, reconsideration is less likely to succeed, and you may want to focus on preparing for a hearing instead.

How long does reconsideration take?

Most cases take 3 to 6 months. Some offices are faster; others slower. You can call Social Security to ask about your case status, but do not expect a specific date. If your case is taking longer than six months, ask to speak with a supervisor.

What should I do while waiting for a reconsideration decision?

Keep working with your doctors and keep records of your medical visits and symptoms. If your condition worsens or you have new test results, send them to Social Security in writing with your case number. Do not assume they will find it on their own. Also, if you are preparing for a possible hearing, start gathering statements from people who know your condition—family members, friends, or coworkers who can describe how your disability affects your daily life.