The reconsideration stage usually takes 3 to 6 months, though some cases stretch to a year or longer
When Social Security denies your initial SSDI claim, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. During reconsideration, a different examiner reviews your entire case from the start—your medical records, work history, and the reason for the first denial. There is no fixed important date Social Security must meet, but the agency's own performance targets aim for 3 to 6 months. In practice, your wait depends on how busy your local field office is, how complete your medical evidence is, and whether Social Security needs to order new medical exams.
The reconsideration process itself does not speed up or slow down based on how you submit your request. Whether you file in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or online through your my Social Security account, you enter the same queue. The clock starts when Social Security receives your request, not when you submit it, so mailing your form gives you a paper receipt showing the date received—useful if your case takes longer than expected.
Key Takeaways
- Reconsideration typically takes 3 to 6 months, but some cases take up to a year depending on how busy your local office is and how complete your medical records are.
- Social Security will assign a new examiner who reviews your case from scratch, so submitting additional medical evidence before reconsideration closes can change the outcome.
- You can check the status of your reconsideration through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213, but Social Security does not send automatic updates.
- If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is the next step in the appeal process.
What Social Security does during the reconsideration review
A reconsideration examiner looks at your case as though it were brand new. They read the medical records you submitted the first time, any new records you add before the reconsideration closes, and they may order a Consultative Examination (CE)—a medical exam paid for by Social Security—if they believe the existing records do not show enough about your condition. The examiner also reviews the reason the first examiner denied you. If that reason was a factual error (for example, the first examiner said you had no medical treatment when you actually did), the reconsideration examiner may overturn the denial on that basis alone.
Social Security does not automatically gather new medical records during reconsideration. If your doctor has treated you since your initial denial, you must send those records yourself. The longer you wait to submit them, the closer you get to the end of the reconsideration period. Once reconsideration closes—meaning the examiner has made a decision—you cannot add new evidence unless you move to the next appeal stage (a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge).
How to track your reconsideration status
Log into your my Social Security account online to see whether your reconsideration is still pending or has been decided. The account shows the date you requested reconsideration and, once a decision is made, the date of that decision. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a status update. Have your Social Security number ready.
Social Security does not send letters or emails telling you your reconsideration is in progress. Many people assume their case is lost or forgotten when they hear nothing for months. This is normal. You will receive a formal notice only when the reconsideration decision is made. If you have not heard anything after 6 months, calling to confirm your case is still in the system is reasonable and will not delay it.
Why some reconsiderations take longer than others
The time your reconsideration takes depends on several factors outside your control. If your local Social Security office is understaffed or handling a backlog of cases, your reconsideration will move more slowly. If your medical records are scattered across multiple providers and Social Security has to request them, that adds weeks. If Social Security orders a Consultative Examination, scheduling the exam and waiting for the results can add 4 to 8 weeks to your timeline.
The completeness of your medical evidence also matters. If you submit detailed, recent medical records showing your condition and its effect on your ability to work before reconsideration closes, the examiner can make a decision faster. If records are old, sparse, or do not clearly describe your limitations, the examiner is more likely to order a CE, which extends the timeline.
What happens if reconsideration is denied
If the reconsideration examiner denies your case, you receive a written notice explaining the reason. You then have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the third stage of appeal and is where many people first win their cases, because you can present evidence and testimony in person or by phone, and the judge can ask you questions directly.
The hearing stage has its own timeline. After you request a hearing, you typically wait 6 to 18 months for a hearing date, depending on how busy the ALJ office serving your area is. During that wait, you can continue to submit medical evidence, and the judge will consider anything you add before your hearing date.
What to do while you wait for reconsideration
Gather any medical records from treatment you received after your initial denial. Contact your doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics and ask them to send records directly to Social Security. Include a cover letter with your Social Security number and the date you requested reconsideration so the records reach the right file. Mail or deliver these records to your local Social Security office, or upload them through your my Social Security account if that option is available in your area.
Keep copies of everything you send. If you mail records, request a receipt or send them certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Do not wait until the last moment—submit records as soon as you have them, because Social Security may close your reconsideration file if it has not heard from you in a long time, even if you are still gathering evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I speed up my reconsideration by calling Social Security?
No. Calling to check status will not move your case forward. Social Security processes reconsiderations in the order they are received, and your case is not prioritized by phone calls. Calling is useful only to confirm your case is still active or to report that you are submitting new medical records.
What if I miss the 60-day important date to request reconsideration?
You may still be able to request reconsideration if you have "good cause" for the delay—for example, you were seriously ill, did not receive the denial notice, or did not understand you had a important date. Contact your local Social Security office when ready and explain why you missed the important date. Social Security will decide whether to allow a late request.
Does reconsideration ever get approved faster than 3 months?
Yes, but rarely. If your case has very clear medical evidence of disability and the first denial was based on an obvious error, reconsideration can be approved in 6 to 8 weeks. Most cases take longer because examiners order medical exams or need time to gather records from multiple providers.
Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?
Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration or your right to appeal. If you are approved for SSDI later, your work history during the appeal will be reviewed, but working now does not disqualify you. Keep records of your earnings and any work you do, because Social Security will ask about it.
What if Social Security loses my reconsideration request?
If you mailed your request and have no proof it was received, Social Security may have no record of it. This is why sending certified mail or filing in person at your local office is safer than regular mail. If you believe your request was lost, contact your local Social Security office with the date you submitted it and ask them to search their records or file a new request.