What the Reconsideration Form Is and When You Use It

The Reconsideration form is the first official step you take after Social Security denies your SSDI claim. It tells Social Security you disagree with the denial and want them to review your case again. A different examiner will look at your file, and you can submit new medical evidence they did not see the first time.

You must file for reconsideration within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. This important date is firm — missing it closes this path and forces you to wait before you can move to the next appeal stage. The 60 days starts from the date printed on the letter itself, not the date you received it.

Reconsideration is not optional. You cannot skip it and go straight to a hearing before a judge. Social Security requires you to go through reconsideration first, unless you are filing a new claim based on a different medical condition or a significant change in your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your denial letter's date to request reconsideration, and this important date cannot be extended.
  • The reconsideration form itself is short, but you should gather new medical records, test results, or doctor statements that address why Social Security was wrong.
  • You can file the form in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through your My Social Security account if you have one.
  • A different examiner will review your case, and the process typically takes three to six months from the date you file.

How to Get and Complete the Reconsideration Form

The official form is called Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration). You do not need to search for it — Social Security includes it in your denial letter packet. If you lost it, you can get a copy three ways: visit your local Social Security office in person, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail it to you, or read it from ssa.gov.

The form itself is straightforward. You fill in your name, Social Security number, and the date of your denial letter. You check a box to confirm you want reconsideration. That is the entire form. The real work is what you attach to it.

In the section marked "Remarks," write a brief explanation of why you believe Social Security made a mistake. You do not need to write much — a few sentences is enough. For example: "My condition has worsened since my initial process. I have new test results from my neurologist showing progression of my disease." Then list the documents you are including.

What Medical Evidence to Submit With Your Form

New medical evidence is what makes reconsideration different from your first process. Social Security will look at everything you submitted before, but they are hoping to see something they missed or something that shows your condition has gotten worse.

Gather records dated after your initial process if possible. These might include recent doctor visit notes, hospital discharge summaries, imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), lab work, mental health evaluations, or letters from your treating doctors stating that you cannot work. If you have been hospitalized, had surgery, or started a new treatment since you first applied, those records are especially valuable.

If you do not have new records, you can still submit old ones you did not include the first time. Request your full medical file from each doctor or hospital you have seen. Ask them to send records directly to Social Security at the address on your denial letter, or you can collect them and mail them yourself with your form.

Do not submit original documents. Make copies. Keep the originals for your own records.

Where and How to File Your Reconsideration Form

You have three options for submitting your form and evidence.

In person: Take your completed form and copies of your medical records to your local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID. Ask for a receipt showing the date they received your reconsideration request. This receipt protects you if there is a dispute about whether you met the 60-day important date.

By mail: Send your form and all copies of medical evidence to the address listed on your denial letter. Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of the mailing date. Keep a copy of everything you send. Mail typically takes one to two weeks, so account for that when calculating your 60-day window.

Online: If you have a My Social Security account, you can upload your form and documents directly through that account. This is the fastest method and gives you an when ready confirmation. If you do not have an account, you can create one at ssa.gov.

What Happens After You File and How Long It Takes

After Social Security receives your reconsideration request, they will send you a notice confirming they got it. This notice will include a case number. Write this number down and keep it with your denial letter.

A different disability examiner will then review your entire file — your original process, all the medical evidence from the first decision, and anything new you submitted. They will also order updated medical records from your doctors if they think it is necessary. This process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs to request additional records from your doctors.

You will receive a new decision letter in the mail. It will either approve your claim, deny it again, or ask for more information. If they deny you a second time, you then have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. That is the next appeal stage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Reconsideration

The biggest mistake is missing the 60-day important date. Once it passes, you cannot file for reconsideration. You would have to start over with a new process, which means waiting months for a decision on a fresh claim instead of having your existing case reviewed.

Another mistake is submitting the same evidence without explanation. If you are resubmitting medical records from your first process, write a note explaining why they matter or what you think Social Security missed. A straightforward note like "This MRI from 2023 shows the extent of my spinal damage" helps the new examiner understand what to focus on.

Do not assume Social Security has all your medical records. Doctors' offices are slow to send records, and some do not send them unless you ask in writing. Call your doctors and ask them to send records directly to Social Security. Follow up if they do not do it within two weeks.

Do not miss the important date because you are waiting for new medical records. If your 60-day window is closing and you do not have all the records you want, file the form anyway with what you have. You can submit additional records later — Social Security will consider them if they arrive before the reconsideration decision is made.

If Reconsideration Is Denied: Your Next Step

If Social Security denies your claim again after reconsideration, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You have another 60 days from the date of this second denial letter to request a hearing. This is called the hearing request stage, and it is where many people's cases are approved because you can present evidence and testimony directly to a judge.

The hearing process is different from reconsideration. You will have a chance to speak, your doctor can testify about your condition, and a judge will make the final decision on your case. Many people find that having a lawyer or representative at this stage significantly improves their chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The 60-day important date cannot be extended. If you miss it, you must wait and file a new SSDI claim instead. You can file a new claim at any time, but it will be treated as a fresh process with a new decision timeline of three to five months.

Do I need a lawyer to file for reconsideration?

No. The form is straightforward and you can file it yourself. However, a lawyer or representative can help you gather medical evidence and write a stronger explanation of why you believe Social Security made a mistake. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

What if my doctor will not send records to Social Security?

Call the doctor's office and ask in writing (email is fine) for your medical records to be sent to Social Security. Include the address from your denial letter. If they still refuse after two weeks, you can request your records yourself under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and mail them to Social Security with your reconsideration form.

Can I submit new evidence after I file the reconsideration form?

Yes. You can send additional medical records to Social Security at any time before they make a decision. Include your case number and name on everything you send. However, do not wait too long — submit additional evidence within the first month or two after filing so the examiner has time to review it.

How do I know if my reconsideration was approved?

Social Security will mail you a new decision letter. If approved, the letter will explain your benefit amount and when payments will start. If denied, the letter will explain the reasons and tell you how to request a hearing before a judge.