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. When you request reconsideration, a different SSA examiner reviews your case from the beginning, looking at all the evidence you submitted plus anything new you want to add. This is not a quick review of the denial letter — it is a full re-examination of your medical records, work history, and why you believe you cannot work.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. The SSA counts this important date strictly. If you miss it, you lose the right to appeal that particular denial, though you can file a new claim later if your circumstances change.

Reconsideration is free and does not require a lawyer, though some people choose to hire one at this stage. The process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if the SSA needs additional medical records or clarification from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request reconsideration within 60 days of your denial letter, and the SSA counts this important date from the date printed on the letter, not the date you received it.
  • A different examiner will review your entire case again, so reconsideration works best when you have new medical evidence or can explain why the first decision was wrong.
  • You can submit additional documents, medical records, or a written statement explaining your condition and why you cannot work.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you move to the next appeal step, which is a hearing before an administrative law judge.

How to file your reconsideration request

You file reconsideration using Form SSA-561-U2, titled "Request for Reconsideration." You can get this form from your local Social Security office, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by downloading it from ssa.gov. You do not need to use the form — you can also write a letter stating that you want to appeal the denial and request reconsideration — but using the form makes the process clearer for the SSA.

Mail your request to the address shown on your denial letter. That address is the local SSA office that handled your claim. Do not mail it to the national SSA headquarters. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of the date the SSA received it.

You can also file reconsideration in person at your local Social Security office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Filing in person or by phone creates an when ready record, which can be safer than relying on mail, especially if you are near the 60-day important date.

What evidence to include with your request

Reconsideration is your chance to address why the first decision was wrong. If the SSA said your condition was not severe enough, or that you could still work, send new medical evidence that contradicts that finding. This might include updated test results, a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition has worsened, or records from a specialist you have seen since you first applied.

If the first examiner missed something — a hospital stay, a surgery, a medication change — include documentation of that event with a note explaining why it matters to your case. If your doctor disagreed with the SSA's medical consultant, ask your doctor to write a detailed letter explaining the disagreement and why the consultant's conclusion was incorrect.

You can also submit a written statement of your own, explaining in detail how your condition affects your daily life and work. Describe specific tasks you cannot do, how long you can sit or stand, whether you have good and bad days, and what happens on your worst days. The more concrete and specific you are, the more useful your statement will be.

Do not submit documents you already sent with your original claim unless you are adding new information to them. Instead, focus on what is new or what was missing the first time.

Understanding the reconsideration decision

The SSA will send you a new decision letter. This letter will either approve your claim or deny it again. If approved, you will receive back pay (the money owed from the date you first applied) and your benefits will begin. If denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to appeal further.

The reconsideration decision letter is shorter and less detailed than the original denial. It may straightforward state that the SSA reviewed your case and found no change in the medical evidence. This does not mean your case is weak — it means the examiner did not find enough new information to overturn the first decision. Many people move forward to a hearing at this point.

When reconsideration is denied and what comes next

If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days from that decision letter to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a different process from reconsideration: you will have a chance to present your case in person (or by video), answer questions, and have your medical evidence reviewed by someone with legal authority to overturn the SSA's decision.

Many people find that a hearing is more successful than reconsideration because you can explain your case directly and respond to questions. A lawyer or non-lawyer representative can help you prepare and present your case at the hearing. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the SSA about finding a representative who works on contingency (meaning they are paid only if you win).

Do not let a reconsideration denial discourage you. The SSA denies many claims at the reconsideration stage that are later approved at the hearing stage. The hearing is where many cases are decided in the applicant's favor.

Common reasons reconsideration is denied

The SSA denies reconsideration most often because the new evidence does not change the examiner's view of your condition's severity or your ability to work. If your medical records show the same findings as before, or if your doctors' opinions have not changed, the SSA may see no reason to reverse the first decision.

Another common reason is that the SSA's medical consultant concludes your condition does not meet the SSA's definition of disability — meaning you have a medical condition, but the SSA believes you can still do some type of work. This is where a hearing becomes important, because an ALJ can weigh your doctor's opinion differently than the SSA's consultant did.

If reconsideration is denied because the SSA says you did not provide enough medical evidence, ask your doctors for more detailed records before your hearing. If it is denied because the SSA says you can do other work, prepare to explain at your hearing why that work is not realistic for you.

Working with a representative during reconsideration

You can hire a lawyer or a non-lawyer representative (called an accredited representative) to help with reconsideration. They can review your denial letter, gather medical evidence, write your reconsideration request, and communicate with the SSA on your behalf. Many representatives do not charge a fee unless you win, and the SSA caps the fee at 25 percent of your back pay.

You do not need a representative to file reconsideration, and many people handle it themselves. But if you are unsure whether you have a strong case, or if you have a complex medical history, a representative can help you present your case more effectively. You can find accredited representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local Social Security office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between reconsideration and a hearing?

Reconsideration is a paper review by a different SSA examiner. A hearing is an in-person or video appearance before an administrative law judge, where you can testify and respond to questions. Hearings are generally more successful because the judge can weigh your testimony and your doctor's opinion directly, rather than relying only on written records.

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Working does not hurt your reconsideration case. However, if you earn more than the SSA's monthly limit (which changes yearly), the SSA may use that as evidence that you can work. If you do work, keep records of your earnings and any difficulties you had working, as this information may be useful at a hearing.

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

If you miss the important date, you lose the right to appeal that denial. However, you can file a new SSDI claim if your condition has changed or worsened. You can also ask the SSA for "good cause" to extend the important date, though this is rarely granted. Contact your local Social Security office when ready if you are past the important date.

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

No, but it helps. If you have new medical records, test results, or a detailed letter from your doctor, include them. If you do not have new evidence, you can still win by pointing out errors in the first decision or by explaining why the SSA's conclusion was wrong based on the records already in your file.

How long does reconsideration take?

Most reconsideration decisions come within three to six months, but some take longer if the SSA requests additional medical records from your doctors. You can call your local Social Security office to ask about the status of your case, though they may not have an update until a decision is made.