What Reconsideration Means and When You Can Request It

Reconsideration is the first formal appeal step after the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your SSDI claim. It means a different examiner—one who did not work on your original process—will review your case from the start, including any new medical evidence you submit. You have 60 calendar days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss that window, you lose the right to appeal that particular decision.

The SSA will not automatically reconsider your case. You must submit a written request. This request does not cost money, and you do not need a lawyer to file one, though some people choose to hire representation at this stage.

Reconsideration is different from straightforward reapplying. When you reapply, you start over as if your first process never happened. When you request reconsideration, the SSA must look at your original process and any new information you provide, and they must explain in writing why they are denying you again—or why they are approving you.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 calendar days from your denial letter to request reconsideration, and missing this important date means you cannot appeal that decision.
  • A different examiner will review your entire case, so new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors can change the outcome.
  • You must submit your reconsideration request in writing—by mail, in person at your local SSA office, or online through your my Social Security account.
  • The SSA will send you a new written decision explaining whether you are approved or denied, and if denied, what specific reasons led to that decision.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is the next step in the appeal process.

How to File Your Reconsideration Request

Start by locating your denial letter. It will have a date at the top and will state that your claim has been denied. The letter should also include instructions for appealing, though the process is the same regardless of what the letter says.

You have three ways to request reconsideration. The first is to visit your local Social Security office in person and tell the staff member you want to request reconsideration. They will give you Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) to complete. You can also read this form from ssa.gov before you go, fill it out at home, and bring it with you. The second way is to mail the completed form to your local SSA office. The third way is to log into your my Social Security account online and request reconsideration through the portal—this option is available if you have already created an account.

When you submit your request, include your Social Security number, the date of your denial letter, and a brief statement of why you believe the decision was wrong. You do not need to write a long explanation; a sentence or two is enough. For example: "I have new medical records from my cardiologist that show my condition has worsened" or "My doctor's statement was not included in the original file."

What New Evidence to Submit With Your Request

The most important thing you can do during reconsideration is submit medical evidence that was not in your original file. This might be recent test results, imaging reports, hospital discharge summaries, or a detailed letter from your treating physician describing your condition and how it limits your ability to work.

If your condition has changed or worsened since you first applied, medical records from the months after your denial are especially valuable. For example, if you were denied in January and had surgery in March, the surgical report and post-operative notes are new evidence that the first examiner never saw.

You can also submit a written statement from your doctor that addresses the specific reasons the SSA gave for denying you. If the denial letter said "your condition does not meet the listing for your diagnosis," ask your doctor to write a statement explaining why your particular case is as severe as the listing requires, or why your symptoms prevent you from working even if they do not exactly match the listing.

Do not submit documents you already sent with your original process. The SSA has those in your file. Focus on new information only. Mail or deliver your new evidence to your local SSA office along with your reconsideration request, or submit it through your my Social Security account if you are using that method.

How Long Reconsideration Takes

The SSA does not publish a standard timeline for reconsideration decisions. In practice, most reconsideration cases are decided within 3 to 6 months, though some take longer depending on how busy your local SSA office is and how much medical evidence needs to be reviewed. If your case involves a medical condition that requires informed review, it may take additional time.

You can contact your local SSA office to ask about the status of your reconsideration request. Have your Social Security number and the date of your denial letter ready when you call. The office staff can tell you whether your case is still being reviewed or whether a decision has been made.

What Happens If Reconsideration Is Denied

If the SSA denies your reconsideration request, you will receive a new written decision letter. This letter must explain the specific reasons for the denial. Read it carefully and note which findings the examiner disagreed with or which evidence they said was not persuasive.

You then have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is the next step in the appeal process. You have 60 calendar days from the date on your reconsideration denial letter to request a hearing. The hearing gives you a chance to present your case in person (or by video or phone) and to have a judge review the evidence and your testimony.

Many people find that reconsideration denials are overturned at the hearing stage, especially if they have submitted strong new medical evidence or have representation. If you did not have a lawyer during reconsideration, this is a common point where people choose to hire one.

Whether to Hire a Representative for Reconsideration

You do not need a lawyer or representative to request reconsideration. Many people file on their own and receive approval. However, a representative—whether a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a disability advocate—can help you gather medical evidence, write a statement explaining why the denial was wrong, and organize your file.

If you hire a representative, they work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win at some point in the appeal process. The fee is set by law: 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled), up to a maximum of $7,200. This fee comes from your back pay, not from your pocket.

Some people wait until after reconsideration is denied to hire a representative, since most denials at reconsideration are overturned at the hearing stage anyway. Others hire someone right away because they believe strong representation will improve their chances. Both approaches are common.

Reconsideration vs. Reapplication: Which Path to Take

If you are within 60 days of your denial, you should request reconsideration rather than reapply. Reconsideration gives you the benefit of the doubt: a new examiner must look at your original process and any new evidence. If you reapply instead, you are starting from scratch, and the SSA may deny you again for the same reasons.

The only reason to reapply instead of requesting reconsideration is if your condition has improved significantly and you no longer believe you meet the disability standard. In that case, reapplication makes no sense. But if your condition is the same or worse, reconsideration is the stronger move.

If you miss the 60-day important date for reconsideration, reapplication becomes your only option. You can reapply at any time, and you should do so as soon as possible if you still believe you are disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request reconsideration if I already reapplied?

No. Once you reapply, you have started a new claim, and the old claim is closed. You cannot go back and request reconsideration of the original denial. If you reapplied by mistake, you can withdraw the new process and request reconsideration of the original one, but only if you are still within 60 days of the original denial date.

What if I do not have new medical evidence—can I still request reconsideration?

Yes. You can request reconsideration even without new evidence. A different examiner may review the same records and reach a different conclusion. However, your chances of approval are better if you can submit new medical information, especially if the original denial said your condition did not meet the SSA's medical standards.

Do I have to go to a doctor's appointment during reconsideration?

Not necessarily. The SSA may order a consultative examination (CE)—a medical exam paid for by Social Security—if they believe they need more information about your condition. If this happens, you will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location. You are required to attend. If you cannot attend, contact the SSA office right away to reschedule.

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration case. However, if you earn more than the SSA's limit for substantial gainful activity (SGA)—which changes each year—it may be used as evidence that you are not disabled. In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month, but this amount changes annually. If you are working below that limit, it should not hurt your case.

What if the SSA loses my reconsideration request?

If you submitted your request in person at an SSA office or by mail, ask for a receipt or confirmation. If you submitted it online through my Social Security, you will have a record in your account. If the SSA cannot find your request, you can file a new one as long as you are still within 60 days of your denial letter. If you are past 60 days, contact a disability advocate or lawyer when ready—you may still have options.