What a Request for Reconsideration Is

A Request for Reconsideration is the first formal step you can take if Social Security denies your SSDI claim. It asks Social Security to look at your case again, usually with a different examiner who did not review it the first time. You are not starting over from scratch — Social Security keeps your original medical records and work history on file and reviews them alongside any new evidence you submit.

This is different from straightforward reapplying. When you request reconsideration, Social Security treats it as an appeal of the original decision, not a brand-new claim. The important date to request reconsideration is 60 days from the date on your denial letter, though Social Security may accept a late request if you have a good reason for the delay.

Reconsideration is also different from the next level of appeal, called a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. At reconsideration, a new examiner reviews your file on paper. You do not meet anyone in person or speak to a judge. If reconsideration is denied, you can then request a hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your denial letter to request reconsideration, though late requests are sometimes accepted if you explain the delay.
  • A different examiner reviews your case, and you can submit new medical records, test results, or other evidence that was not in your original file.
  • Reconsideration is decided on paper — you do not attend a hearing or speak to anyone in person.
  • 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 a Request for Reconsideration

You file a Request for Reconsideration using Form SSA-561-U2, which you can get from your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov. You can also mail or hand-deliver a written letter stating that you want reconsideration, though using the form is clearer and faster.

Mail your completed form to the Social Security office that handled your original claim. The address appears on your denial letter. If you are unsure which office that is, call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your Social Security number — they will tell you where to send it.

Keep a copy of everything you send. If you mail it, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof Social Security received it. The 60-day clock starts from the date on your denial letter, not the date you received it, so check that letter right away to know your important date.

What Evidence to Include With Your Request

The examiner who reviews your reconsideration will see all the medical records and documents from your original claim. You should also send any new evidence that shows your condition is severe enough to prevent work. This might include recent doctor's notes, test results, hospital records, or statements from your doctors about your limitations.

If your condition has gotten worse since you first applied, new medical evidence is especially important. For example, if you had surgery, started a new medication, or were diagnosed with an additional condition, send records showing that. If you have been treated by a new doctor or specialist since your denial, their records carry weight because they show ongoing medical care.

You can also include a written statement from yourself explaining how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I cannot work," write "I can only sit for 20 minutes before my back pain forces me to lie down" or "My medications make me too drowsy to drive safely or concentrate on tasks." Concrete details help the examiner understand your situation.

Do not send original documents — send copies only. Social Security does not return originals, and you may need them for future steps in your appeal.

What Happens During Reconsideration

After you submit your request, Social Security sends you a notice saying they received it. Processing time varies by state and office, but reconsideration decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. During that time, a different examiner reviews your entire file — your medical records, work history, the original decision, and any new evidence you submitted.

The examiner may contact your doctors to ask for more information about your condition and how it limits your ability to work. They may also request updated medical records if your treatment has continued since your original claim. You will not hear from the examiner directly unless they need clarification from you, which is rare.

Social Security will mail you a new decision letter when reconsideration is complete. The letter explains whether the decision was changed or upheld. If it is changed in your favor, it will say when your benefits begin and what your first payment will be. If it is denied again, the letter tells you how to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and gives you a new 60-day important date to do so.

Common Reasons Reconsideration Is Denied

Reconsideration is denied for the same reasons the original claim was denied. The most common reason is that Social Security does not believe your medical condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work. "Substantial work" means earning more than a certain amount per month — in 2024, that threshold is $1,550 for non-blind individuals, though this amount changes yearly.

Another common reason is that your condition is not expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI requires that your condition be long-term or terminal. If Social Security believes your condition will improve within a year, they will deny the claim even if it is severe right now.

A third reason is that Social Security concludes you can still do work you have done in the past, even if it is different from your most recent job. For example, if you worked as a carpenter for 20 years and then as a store manager for 5 years, Social Security might decide you can return to carpentry work even if your current condition prevents management work.

If your reconsideration is denied for one of these reasons, the decision letter will explain which reason applied to your case. Read it carefully, because it tells you what evidence would matter most at your next appeal — a hearing before a judge.

When to Request a Hearing Instead of Reconsideration

In most states, you must request reconsideration before you can request a hearing. However, some states have a program called Disability Hearing and Appeals (DHA) that lets you skip reconsideration and go straight to a hearing. Your denial letter will tell you if your state offers this option.

Even if you can skip reconsideration, many people choose to request it anyway because it gives you a second chance with a different examiner at no cost. A hearing before a judge takes longer — usually 4 to 12 months — and requires you to prepare more thoroughly. Reconsideration is faster and simpler, so it makes sense to try it first unless you have strong reasons to believe a hearing will be more successful.

Talk to a disability advocate or lawyer if you are unsure whether reconsideration or a hearing is the better choice for your situation. Many offer free consultations.

Getting Help With Your Reconsideration Request

You can request reconsideration on your own, and many people do. However, a disability advocate or Social Security-certified lawyer can help you gather medical evidence, write a statement explaining your limitations, and make sure your request is complete before you send it.

If you work with a lawyer or advocate, they charge a fee only if you win your case and receive back pay. Social Security limits that fee to 25% of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You can find a certified representative through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by calling your local legal aid office.

You do not need a lawyer to request reconsideration, but having one review your file before you submit it can catch missing evidence or weak points in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you must explain why the delay happened. Social Security may accept a late request if you have a good reason — for example, you were hospitalized, did not receive the denial letter, or had a family emergency. Write a brief explanation with your late request and include it with Form SSA-561-U2. There is no may provide Social Security will accept it, but it is worth trying.

Do I have to submit new medical evidence with my reconsideration request?

No, but you should if you have it. If your condition has not changed and you have no new records, Social Security will review the same evidence from your original claim with a fresh examiner. However, new medical evidence — especially recent treatment records or a doctor's statement about your limitations — gives the new examiner a reason to reach a different conclusion.

How long does reconsideration take?

Most reconsideration decisions come back within 3 to 6 months, though some take longer depending on how busy your local Social Security office is and how much medical evidence needs to be reviewed. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check on the status of your reconsideration after 3 months have passed.

What if reconsideration is denied again?

You can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You have 60 days from the date on your reconsideration denial letter to request the hearing. The judge will review your entire file and may ask you questions about your condition and work history. A hearing is your next formal appeal step.

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Requesting reconsideration does not stop you from working or earning money. However, if you are working and earning substantial income, Social Security may use that as evidence that you can work, which could affect the outcome of your reconsideration. If you are working only part-time or earning very little, report it to Social Security.