Step 3 is when a disability examiner reviews your case from the beginning

Step 3 of SSDI reconsideration is a complete re-examination of your claim by a different disability examiner than the one who denied you initially. This examiner looks at all the evidence you submitted before, plus any new medical records or statements you included with your reconsideration request. They are not bound by the first decision — they make their own information based on the full file.

This step happens at the Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state, not at Social Security's main office. The DDS is a state agency that contracts with Social Security to make these decisions. The examiner assigned to your case will have access to your original process, the denial letter, and everything you submitted when you asked for reconsideration.

You do not attend a hearing or meet with anyone in person during Step 3. The examiner works from the written record only. If they need more information — such as recent test results or clarification from your doctor — they will contact your medical providers directly or ask you to submit it.

Key Takeaways

  • A new disability examiner reviews your entire case file, including your original process, the denial, and any new evidence you submitted with your reconsideration request.
  • Step 3 happens at your state's Disability information Services office, and the examiner can overturn the first decision without requiring you to attend a hearing.
  • The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, though timelines vary by state and how much new medical evidence is included.
  • If the examiner needs additional medical records, they will contact your doctors or ask you to provide them; you should respond quickly to any requests.
  • You will receive a written decision in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied, and why.

Timeline from submission to decision

Social Security aims to complete reconsideration within 60 days, but most cases take longer. The actual timeline depends on how quickly your medical providers respond to requests for records and how complex your case is.

After you submit your reconsideration request, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach the DDS office in your state. Once assigned to an examiner, the review itself usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. If the examiner needs to request additional medical evidence from your doctors, add another 2 to 4 weeks for those records to arrive. States with high caseloads may take longer — some take up to 6 months.

You can check the status of your reconsideration by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and providing your Social Security number. They can tell you whether your case has been received and is under review, but they cannot predict when a decision will arrive.

What the examiner is looking for

The disability examiner uses the same five-step process that was used to deny you the first time. They are checking whether you have a severe medical condition, whether that condition meets or equals a condition in Social Security's list of impairments (called the Blue Book), whether you can do your past work, and whether you can do any other work that exists in the national economy.

The key difference in Step 3 is that the examiner is not automatically accepting the first examiner's conclusions. If you submitted new medical evidence — such as recent test results, a new diagnosis, or a detailed statement from your doctor — the examiner must consider it. If your medical condition has worsened since the original denial, or if you have new treatment records showing greater limitations, those can change the outcome.

The examiner also looks at whether the first decision was supported by the evidence. If the file shows that your doctors documented significant functional limitations but the first examiner concluded you could work, the second examiner may reach a different conclusion.

What new evidence to submit before Step 3 ends

If you have not already submitted new medical records with your reconsideration request, you can still send them while your case is under review. Send them directly to the DDS office in your state, not to Social Security's main office. Include your name, Social Security number, and date of birth on every page so the records reach the correct file.

The most useful evidence includes recent medical appointments (within the last 3 months), test results, imaging reports, and statements from your treating doctors about your functional limitations. A letter from your doctor that describes what you cannot do — such as "cannot sit for more than 2 hours" or "cannot lift more than 10 pounds" — is more persuasive than a letter that straightforward says you are disabled.

If you are receiving treatment from a specialist (such as a rheumatologist, cardiologist, or psychiatrist), ask that doctor to write a statement specifically addressing your ability to work. Include information about medication side effects, how often you need medical appointments, and any days you are unable to function due to your condition.

Send new evidence as soon as you have it. The longer you wait, the closer you get to a decision, and late-arriving evidence may not be reviewed in time. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

If the examiner requests additional information

During the review, the examiner may contact you or your doctors asking for specific information. Common requests include updated medical records, clarification about your work history, or details about your current symptoms and limitations. If you receive a letter or call from the DDS office, respond within the timeframe they give you — usually 10 to 30 days.

If the examiner asks for medical records from your doctor, your doctor's office may take several weeks to compile and send them. Call your doctor's office as soon as you receive the request and ask them to prioritize it. Explain that this is for a disability information and that a important date applies. If your doctor's office is slow to respond, you can request the records yourself and submit them on your doctor's behalf, as long as you include a note explaining that you obtained them from your medical file.

If you cannot meet a important date — for example, your doctor is on vacation or you are hospitalized — contact the DDS office and ask for an extension. Provide a brief explanation of why you need more time. Most examiners will grant a reasonable extension rather than close your case.

Possible outcomes at the end of Step 3

The examiner will issue one of three decisions: approval, denial, or remand. An approval means your claim is accepted and benefits begin. A denial means the examiner found that you do not meet the criteria for disability and your case ends unless you move to Step 4 (the Appeals Council). A remand is rare at this stage but means the examiner found an error in the process and is sending the case back for additional development of evidence.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice explaining your benefit amount and when payments begin. Back pay (benefits owed from your process date) is usually paid in a lump sum. If you are denied, the notice will explain the reasons and will include information about how to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (Step 4).

Approximately 10 to 15 percent of reconsiderations result in approval. This is a low rate, which is why many people move directly to Step 4 (requesting a hearing) rather than waiting for reconsideration to finish. You have the right to skip reconsideration and go straight to a hearing, though most people do go through reconsideration because it is free and does not require you to appear in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration is being reviewed?

Yes. Reconsideration does not affect your current work status. If you are working and earning money, report it to Social Security as required. If you are approved during reconsideration, your benefit amount may be reduced if your earnings are high enough, but you can still work.

What if I disagree with the Step 3 decision?

If you are denied at Step 3, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (Step 4). You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request this hearing. The hearing is your chance to present your case in person and have a judge review the evidence.

Do I need a lawyer for Step 3?

No. Step 3 is a paper review, and you do not need legal representation. However, if you plan to move to Step 4 (a hearing), having a lawyer or representative can improve your chances. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win.

Can I submit evidence after my decision is issued?

No. Once the examiner issues a decision, Step 3 is closed. If you have new evidence after the decision, you must include it with your Step 4 hearing request or submit it directly to the Administrative Law Judge.

How do I know if my case is still under review?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number. They can confirm that your reconsideration is in progress and sometimes can tell you which stage it is in, but they cannot predict a decision date.