Reconsideration typically takes three to five months, though some cases move faster or slower depending on your state and the complexity of your medical evidence
When you request a reconsideration of a denied SSDI claim, Social Security sends your file to a different examiner who reviews it from the start. That examiner has no important date written into law, but Social Security's own target is to finish within 120 days—about four months. In practice, most reconsiderations finish between 90 and 150 days. A few states consistently finish faster; others regularly take six months or longer.
The actual time depends on how busy your state's disability office is, whether your medical records are complete, and how straightforward your case is. If you submit new medical evidence that requires the examiner to order additional reports, the clock extends. If your records are scattered across multiple doctors and hospitals, gathering them takes time.
You will not hear anything during most of this waiting period. Social Security does not send progress updates. The first contact you receive is usually the decision letter itself, arriving by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Most reconsiderations take between three and five months from the date Social Security receives your request.
- Your state's disability office processes reconsiderations, and some states have longer backlogs than others.
- Submitting complete medical records upfront can help avoid delays caused by Social Security requesting missing documents.
- You will not receive status updates during the reconsideration period; the decision letter is typically your first communication.
- If reconsideration is denied and you want to continue, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which has its own separate timeline.
Why the timeline varies by state
Social Security operates a network of state disability information services (DDS) offices. Each one handles reconsiderations for claims filed in that state. Some offices have more staff and fewer pending cases, so they move faster. Others face long backlogs and take considerably longer.
You cannot choose which office reviews your case—it is determined by where you live. If you live in a state with a slower DDS office, your reconsideration will likely take longer than the national average. There is no way to transfer your case to a faster state office.
You can contact your state's DDS office directly to ask about current processing times. The Social Security website lists contact information for each state's office. Calling them will not speed up your case, but they can tell you roughly where yours stands in the queue and whether they are currently experiencing delays.
What happens to your file during reconsideration
When you request reconsideration, Social Security pulls your entire file—the original process, the denial letter, and all medical evidence that was submitted the first time. A new examiner, who had nothing to do with the initial decision, reviews everything from scratch.
If you submitted new medical records with your reconsideration request, the examiner reviews those too. If your medical condition has worsened or you have seen new doctors since the initial denial, those records matter. The examiner may also order a consultative examination—a medical evaluation paid for by Social Security—if they believe the existing records do not show enough about your current condition.
Ordering a consultative exam adds time to the process. Social Security has to schedule you with a doctor in your area, you have to attend the appointment, and then the doctor's report has to be returned and reviewed. This can add two to four weeks to the timeline.
How to track where your reconsideration stands
You can check the status of your reconsideration through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. Log in and look for "Benefit process Status" or "Appeal Status." This tool shows whether your case is still pending or if a decision has been made. It does not show detailed progress, but it will tell you if a decision letter is on the way.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one for free on the Social Security website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity—usually a driver's license or passport.
You can also call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask about your reconsideration status. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you whether a decision has been made, but they may not have detailed information about where your case is in the review process.
What to do while you wait
Gather any new medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened or changed since your initial denial. Do not wait for the decision letter to arrive before doing this. If you have seen new doctors, had new test results, or been hospitalized, collect those records now.
You can submit additional medical evidence during the reconsideration period by mailing it to your state's DDS office or uploading it through your my Social Security account. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a note that this is additional evidence for your reconsideration. Mail it to the address listed on your denial letter.
Keep copies of everything you send. Do not rely on Social Security to have received it unless you mail it certified mail with return receipt requested, or upload it through your online account where you can see confirmation.
When reconsideration is denied
If Social Security denies your reconsideration, you 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 days from the date on the reconsideration denial letter to request a hearing.
A hearing request starts a completely separate timeline. Hearings typically take six months to two years to schedule, depending on your area and the judge's caseload. The hearing itself is where you have the best chance to present your case in person and answer questions directly.
If you are considering requesting a hearing, you may want to speak with a disability representative or attorney who works on Social Security cases. Many work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win, and they can help you prepare for the hearing.
Reconsideration timelines by stage
| Stage | Typical Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration review | 90–150 days | New examiner reviews your file and any new medical evidence |
| Consultative exam (if ordered) | +2–4 weeks | Social Security schedules and pays for a medical evaluation |
| Decision letter mailed | Within 5 days of decision | You receive approval or another denial by mail |
| Time to request hearing (if denied) | 60 days from denial letter | You must request a hearing before an administrative law judge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I speed up my reconsideration?
No. Social Security does not offer expedited reconsiderations. Submitting complete medical records upfront prevents delays caused by requests for missing documents, but you cannot otherwise accelerate the process. Calling or visiting an office repeatedly will not move your case forward.
What if I do not hear anything after six months?
Contact your state's DDS office directly and ask about your case status. Provide your Social Security number and the date you requested reconsideration. If they cannot locate your case or tell you it is lost, ask to speak with a supervisor. You may need to resubmit your reconsideration request.
Do I get paid while waiting for reconsideration?
No. SSDI payments do not resume during reconsideration unless you win. If you were receiving benefits before your initial denial, they stopped when you were denied. They restart only if reconsideration approves your claim.
Should I request a hearing right away instead of waiting for reconsideration?
You cannot skip reconsideration. It is a required step before you can request a hearing. You must go through reconsideration first, receive a denial, and then request a hearing within 60 days of that denial.
What if my medical condition gets worse during reconsideration?
Submit new medical records showing the worsening condition to your state's DDS office when ready. Include a cover letter explaining that this is updated evidence for your pending reconsideration. The examiner will review it as part of your case.