What reconsideration means and when you use it

Reconsideration is the first appeal step after Social Security denies your SSDI claim. You ask Social Security to look at your case again, usually with new medical evidence or to correct factual errors in their decision. A different person at Social Security reviews your file from the start.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss this window, you can still appeal, but you will need to explain the delay to Social Security. The 60-day clock starts the day Social Security mails the letter, not the day you receive it.

Reconsideration is not the same as asking for a phone call or a second look at the same documents. Social Security will examine your entire case again, and you can submit new medical records, test results, or other evidence they did not see the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your denial letter to request reconsideration, and this important date matters because missing it closes this appeal path.
  • A different Social Security reviewer will examine your case from scratch, so new medical evidence or corrected facts can change the outcome.
  • You request reconsideration on Form SSA-561, which you can submit by mail, in person at a Social Security office, or online through your My Social Security account.
  • The reconsideration process typically takes three to five months, and Social Security will mail you a new decision letter when it is complete.
  • If reconsideration is denied, your next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a different process with different rules.

How to request reconsideration

You request reconsideration by filing Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration). You can get this form from Social Security's website, from any Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need a lawyer to file, though some people choose to have one review their request first.

On the form, you explain why you believe Social Security made an error or why new information changes your case. You do not need to write much—a few sentences about what is different or what was missed is enough. Then you attach any new medical records, test results, work history documents, or other evidence that supports your claim.

You can submit the completed form and documents in three ways: mail it to your local Social Security office, bring it in person to an office, or upload it through your My Social Security account online. If you mail it, keep a copy for your records and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of the date it arrived.

What new evidence to include

New medical evidence is the most common reason reconsideration succeeds. This might be recent test results, a new diagnosis, hospital discharge papers, or a detailed letter from your doctor describing how your condition limits your ability to work. The evidence should be dated after your original process or should fill gaps in what Social Security saw before.

You can also include evidence that corrects factual mistakes in the denial letter—for example, if Social Security said you worked in 2022 when you actually did not, or if they listed the wrong medical providers. Bring documentation: pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from employers showing when you worked and when you stopped.

Do not submit the same medical records Social Security already reviewed unless you have a specific reason—for instance, if you believe they misread a test result. Focus on what is new or what was missing from your file the first time.

The timeline for reconsideration

Social Security typically completes reconsideration in three to five months, though this varies by region and how busy the local office is. Some cases move faster if the evidence is straightforward; others take longer if Social Security needs to request additional medical records from your doctors.

You will not hear anything from Social Security while your case is being reviewed unless they need more information from you. If they do contact you, respond as quickly as you can, because delays on your end can slow the process.

When Social Security finishes, they will mail you a new decision letter. This letter explains whether they approved your claim or denied it again. If they deny reconsideration, the letter will also explain your right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Common reasons reconsideration is denied

Reconsideration is denied most often when the new evidence still does not show that your condition prevents you from working. Social Security uses a specific definition of disability: you must have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and it must prevent you from doing any work that exists in the national economy.

If your medical records show you can still do some work—even part-time or sedentary work—Social Security may deny reconsideration. Similarly, if you have not seen a doctor recently or your records are sparse, Social Security may say there is not enough evidence to prove your condition is as severe as you describe.

Another common reason is that Social Security found no error in their original decision. If they reviewed the same facts and reached the same conclusion, they will deny reconsideration. This does not mean you are out of options—it means you move to the next appeal step, which is a hearing.

When to consider getting help with reconsideration

Many people handle reconsideration on their own and succeed. If your case is straightforward—you have recent medical evidence that clearly shows you cannot work—you may not need a lawyer. Gathering your records, filling out the form, and mailing it in takes time but is not complicated.

You might want help if your case is complex: multiple conditions, gaps in your medical treatment, a work history that is hard to explain, or a previous denial that seemed to misunderstand your situation. A lawyer or non-lawyer representative can review your file, identify what evidence is missing, and help you present your case more effectively.

If you do hire someone, they cannot charge you unless Social Security approves your claim. The fee is set by law and comes from your back pay, not from your pocket. You can find representatives through the Social Security website or through disability advocacy organizations in your area.

What happens if reconsideration is denied

If Social Security denies reconsideration, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a different process from reconsideration: you get to present your case in person or by phone, answer questions, and have a real person listen to your story.

You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial letter to request a hearing. The form is Form HA-501 (Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge). You submit it the same way you submitted your reconsideration request—by mail, in person, or online.

The hearing process takes longer than reconsideration—usually six months to a year or more—but many people find it more favorable because you get to speak directly to the judge and explain your situation in your own words.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request reconsideration more than once?

No. You get one reconsideration per claim. If Social Security denies reconsideration, your next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge, not another reconsideration request.

Do I have to include new medical evidence to request reconsideration?

No, but it helps. You can request reconsideration to point out errors in Social Security's decision or to ask them to reconsider the same evidence. New medical evidence straightforward gives them a stronger reason to change their mind.

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

You can still appeal, but you will need to explain to Social Security why you missed the important date. They may grant you an extension if you have a good reason—for example, if you did not receive the denial letter. Contact your local Social Security office to ask about filing late.

Will Social Security contact my doctors during reconsideration?

They may. If your medical records are incomplete or unclear, Social Security can request additional information directly from your doctors. This can take time, so submit as much medical evidence as you can upfront to speed things up.

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration request. However, if you earn more than the monthly limit for substantial work, it may affect whether Social Security approves your claim. The earnings limit changes each year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is.