What Reconsideration Means and Why It Matters

Reconsideration is your first formal appeal after Social Security denies your SSDI claim. It is a complete re-review of your case by a different examiner who has not seen your file before. You submit new medical evidence, clarify what the first examiner missed, and explain why the denial was wrong. This is not a conversation with the same person who said no — it is a fresh look at the same question.

Reconsideration is also your only chance to add evidence without a hearing. If you lose reconsideration, your next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is more formal and takes longer. Winning at reconsideration means you get your benefits months faster and avoid the hearing process entirely.

You have 60 calendar days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss that important date, you can still appeal, but you will have to explain to Social Security why the delay happened. Request it in writing or in person at your local Social Security office.

Key Takeaways

  • Reconsideration is a complete re-review by a new examiner, not a conversation with the person who denied you.
  • You must request it within 60 days of your denial letter, in writing or at your local Social Security office.
  • New medical evidence is your strongest tool — records from doctors who have treated you since your denial, or records you did not submit the first time.
  • A written statement explaining exactly what the first examiner got wrong, tied to your medical records, makes your case harder to deny again.
  • Reconsideration takes three to six months; Social Security will mail you a decision, not call you.

Gather Medical Records the First Examiner Did Not See

The most common reason reconsideration succeeds is that you submit medical evidence that was not in your original file. This can be records from a doctor visit that happened after you first applied, or records from a treatment provider you did not know to include the first time.

Request records from every doctor, therapist, hospital, or clinic that has treated you for your condition since your denial. Include the date of your denial in your request so the provider knows to send records from that date forward. If you had treatment before your denial that you did not submit, request those records too — providers can usually pull old files if you give them a date range.

Medical records carry weight only if they show your condition is severe enough to prevent work. A note saying "patient reports pain" is weaker than a note saying "patient unable to lift more than 10 pounds" or "patient's memory loss prevents independent decision-making." If your records are vague, ask your doctor to write a statement that directly addresses your ability to work — what you cannot do, how often the symptoms occur, and whether they are permanent or long-term.

Do not wait for records to arrive before you request reconsideration. Request reconsideration within the 60-day window, then submit the medical records as soon as you have them. Social Security will add them to your file and the examiner will review them.

Write a Statement Explaining What the Denial Got Wrong

A written statement from you is not required, but it is one of the most effective tools you have. The statement should be one to three pages, typed or clearly handwritten, and should explain specifically what the first examiner missed or misunderstood about your condition.

Do not repeat your whole medical history. Instead, point to the exact parts of your medical records that prove you cannot work. For example: "The denial says I can do sedentary work, but my neurologist's notes from March 2024 state that my tremors make it impossible to use a keyboard for more than 15 minutes. I have attached those notes." Or: "The examiner did not consider my mental health treatment. I have been in therapy for depression and anxiety since 2023, and my therapist states in the attached letter that my symptoms prevent me from maintaining employment."

If the denial mentioned a specific job you could supposedly do — like "data entry" or "customer service" — explain why you cannot do that job because of your condition. Use your medical records to back up each claim. A statement without medical support is just your word against the examiner's conclusion.

Include your name, Social Security number, and the date on your statement. Mail it with your reconsideration request or submit it at your local Social Security office.

Understand What the First Denial Actually Said

Before you write anything, read your denial letter carefully and identify the exact reason Social Security said no. The letter will explain what the examiner decided about your condition and your ability to work. Common reasons for denial include: your condition is not severe enough, your condition will not last 12 months, you can still do some kind of work, or your medical evidence does not support your claims.

Your reconsideration strategy depends on which reason applies to you. If the examiner said your condition is not severe enough, focus on submitting medical records that show how serious it is. If the examiner said you can still work, submit records that prove you cannot do any job, even a sedentary one. If the examiner said your condition will not last 12 months, submit records showing it is permanent or long-term.

If you do not understand the denial letter, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask someone to explain it to you. Write down the reason they give you. This is the specific thing you need to address in your reconsideration.

Submit Your Reconsideration Request on Time

You have 60 calendar days from the date on your denial letter. Count from that date, not from the day you received the letter. If day 60 falls on a weekend or holiday, you can submit on the next business day.

You can request reconsideration three ways: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through your my Social Security account if you have one. In person is fastest because the office staff will date-stamp your request when ready. By mail, send your request to the address on your denial letter. Online, log into your account, find your case, and look for the appeal option.

Your request does not have to be formal. You can write a straightforward letter that says: "I want to request reconsideration of my SSDI denial dated [date]. My name is [your name] and my Social Security number is [number]." Include your current mailing address and phone number. Attach any medical records or statements you have ready.

Keep a copy of everything you submit. If you mail it, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof Social Security received it. If you submit in person, ask for a receipt.

What Happens During Reconsideration and How Long It Takes

After you request reconsideration, Social Security will send you a notice saying they received your request. This usually arrives within two weeks. The notice will include a case number for your appeal.

A new examiner will then review your entire file — your original process, the first examiner's decision, and any new evidence you submitted. This process takes three to six months. You will not have a phone call or meeting during reconsideration. The examiner reviews your records and makes a decision.

Social Security will mail you a decision letter. The letter will say either that they have approved your claim or that they are denying reconsideration. If they deny reconsideration, the letter will explain why and will tell you how to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You will have 60 days to request that hearing.

Do not call Social Security to ask about your reconsideration status. They cannot speed up the process, and calling does not change the timeline. If you have not heard anything after six months, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update.

Common Reasons Reconsideration Fails and How to Avoid Them

Reconsideration fails most often because the new evidence is not strong enough or because the statement does not directly address what the first examiner decided. If you submit the same records that were already in your file, the new examiner will likely reach the same conclusion. Submit records that are new — from doctors you saw after your denial, or from providers you did not include the first time.

Reconsideration also fails when the medical records do not clearly show you cannot work. A diagnosis alone is not enough. Social Security needs to see how your condition affects your daily functioning — how long you can sit, stand, or concentrate; whether you can follow instructions; whether you can interact with coworkers or the public. Ask your doctor to be specific about these functional limitations.

Do not assume Social Security will understand your condition without explanation. Even if your medical records are clear, write a statement that connects your medical evidence to your inability to work. Point the examiner to the specific pages and dates in your records that prove your case.

Finally, reconsideration fails when you miss the 60-day important date. Mark your calendar the day you receive your denial letter. Request reconsideration before day 60 ends, even if you do not have all your medical records yet. You can submit records later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request reconsideration if I missed the 60-day important date?

Yes, but you will need to explain to Social Security why the delay happened. Submit your reconsideration request anyway, along with a written explanation of the reason for the late filing. Social Security will decide whether to accept it. The explanation must be reasonable — for example, you were hospitalized, or you did not receive the denial letter.

Do I need a lawyer to win reconsideration?

No. Many people win reconsideration without a lawyer by submitting strong medical evidence and a clear written statement. A lawyer can help you organize your case and write your statement, but is not required. If you hire a lawyer, they cannot charge you unless you win your case or reach a hearing.

What if my doctor will not write a statement about my ability to work?

Ask your doctor to write a brief letter describing your functional limitations — what you cannot do because of your condition, how often symptoms occur, and whether they are permanent. If your doctor will not do this, submit the medical records from your visits and write your own statement connecting those records to your inability to work. Social Security will consider both.

Can I add new conditions to my claim during reconsideration?

Yes. If you have developed a new condition or have medical evidence of a condition you did not mention in your original process, include it in your reconsideration request. Submit medical records for the new condition and explain how it, alone or combined with your other conditions, prevents you from working.

What happens if reconsideration is denied?

Social Security will send you a decision letter explaining the denial and telling you how to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You have 60 days to request the hearing. At a hearing, you can present evidence and answer questions from the judge. Many people win at the hearing stage after losing reconsideration.