What Reconsideration Means and When It Starts

Reconsideration is the first formal appeal level after the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your SSDI claim. It means a different examiner—one who did not review your original process—looks at your case from the beginning. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss that window, you lose the right to appeal at this level and must wait until you can file a new claim.

The five steps of reconsideration are distinct phases, each with its own paperwork, timing, and decision point. Understanding what happens at each step helps you know what to expect and what you need to do.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request reconsideration in writing within 60 days of your denial letter, using Form SSA-561 or a written statement that names your claim and asks for reconsideration.
  • The SSA sends your file to a new examiner and may request updated medical evidence from your doctors; you can submit new records yourself during this phase.
  • The reconsideration decision typically arrives within 3 to 6 months, though timing varies by your local SSA office and case complexity.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is a separate and more formal appeal level.
  • Reconsideration denials are common—roughly 85 percent are denied—so preparing for a hearing while waiting for reconsideration is a practical strategy.

Step 1: Filing Your Reconsideration Request

The first step is submitting a written request for reconsideration. You can use Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration), which you can print from SSA.gov or pick up at your local Social Security office. You do not need the form—a letter works just as well—but the form is clearer and faster for the SSA to process.

Your request must include your name, Social Security number, and a statement that you want reconsideration of your denial. Attach a copy of your denial letter. Mail it to the address on that letter, or bring it in person to your local Social Security office. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of the date you mailed it. The SSA date-stamps mail when it arrives, and that date matters for the 60-day window.

If you miss the 60-day important date, you can ask the SSA to reopen your case if you have "good cause"—a reason the SSA accepts for the delay, such as illness, a language barrier, or a postal problem. Good cause is decided case by case and is not may provide. Do not assume you can file late.

Step 2: The SSA Sends Your Case to a New Examiner

Once the SSA receives your reconsideration request, it assigns your file to a different examiner in the Disability information Services (DDS) office that covers your state. This examiner has not seen your original process. The SSA also sends a notice to you confirming that reconsideration has been started and giving you a case number.

At this stage, the new examiner reviews everything in your file: your original process, your medical records, your work history, and any statements you submitted. The examiner may also request updated medical evidence from your doctors or hospitals. If the SSA requests records, your doctors have up to two weeks to send them. You can speed this up by calling your doctor's office yourself and asking them to send the records directly to the DDS office address listed in the SSA's request letter.

This is also when you can submit new medical evidence if you have it. If you have seen a doctor since your original process, or if you have new test results, imaging, or specialist reports, send them now. Write a cover letter explaining what the records are and why they are relevant to your disability claim. Mail them to the DDS office address on your reconsideration notice.

Step 3: The Examiner Reviews Your Medical Evidence

The examiner's job is to determine whether your medical condition meets or equals one of the SSA's Blue Book listings—the official list of disabling conditions—or whether your condition is severe enough that you cannot work. The examiner looks at the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms, and whether you have medical documentation to support them.

The examiner may also request a Consultative Examination (CE)—a medical exam paid for by the SSA with a doctor or psychologist the SSA chooses. You will receive a notice telling you the date, time, and location of the exam. You must attend. If you cannot attend, call the DDS office when ready and ask to reschedule. Missing a CE without rescheduling can result in a denial.

During a CE, the doctor examines you and writes a report. The report goes into your file and becomes part of the evidence the examiner uses to make a decision. The CE doctor does not make the disability decision—the examiner does—but the CE report often carries significant weight because it is recent medical evidence.

Step 4: The Examiner Makes a Reconsideration Decision

After reviewing all the evidence, the examiner writes a decision. The decision explains whether your condition meets a Blue Book listing, whether you can do your past work, and whether you can do other work that exists in the national economy. The examiner must cite the medical evidence and explain the reasoning.

The SSA mails you a notice of the decision. If reconsideration is approved, the notice tells you the date your benefits begin and what your monthly payment will be. If reconsideration is denied, the notice explains why and tells you that you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This notice is called the Reconsideration Notice of Decision.

Reconsideration denials are common. Roughly 85 percent of reconsideration requests are denied. A denial does not mean your case is weak—it means the examiner concluded the evidence did not meet the standard for disability at that stage. Many people who are denied at reconsideration go on to win at the hearing level.

Step 5: Understanding Your Next Options After Reconsideration

If reconsideration is approved, your case is closed and your benefits begin. If reconsideration is denied, you have two choices: request a hearing before an ALJ, or do nothing and let the denial stand.

A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is the next appeal level. You have 60 days from the date on your reconsideration denial notice to request a hearing. At a hearing, you can present testimony, bring witnesses, and have a representative (such as a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) present your case. The ALJ can ask you questions about your medical condition and your ability to work. Roughly 60 percent of cases that go to hearing are approved, which is significantly higher than the reconsideration approval rate.

If you do not request a hearing within 60 days, the reconsideration denial becomes final. You can file a new SSDI claim after 12 months, but you cannot appeal the reconsideration decision after the 60-day window closes. Many people consult with a disability representative or lawyer during reconsideration to prepare for a hearing, even while waiting for the reconsideration decision.

Timing and What to Expect During Reconsideration

Reconsideration typically takes 3 to 6 months from the date you request it to the date you receive a decision. Some cases move faster; others take longer. The timing depends on how busy your state's DDS office is, whether a Consultative Examination is needed, and how quickly your doctors send medical records.

You can call the DDS office to ask about the status of your case. Have your case number ready. The DDS office can tell you whether your file is still being reviewed, whether records have been received, or whether a decision has been made. If your case has been pending for more than six months, ask to speak with a supervisor about the delay.

While you are waiting for reconsideration, you can gather additional medical evidence, see new doctors, or get test results that might strengthen your case. You can also contact a disability representative or lawyer to discuss whether a hearing would be a good next step if reconsideration is denied. Some representatives will work on your case during reconsideration and prepare for a hearing at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request reconsideration by phone or online?

No. You must submit a written request. You can mail Form SSA-561-U2, mail a letter, or deliver your request in person to your local Social Security office. The SSA does not accept reconsideration requests by phone or through its online portal.

What if I submit new medical evidence during reconsideration?

The new examiner will review it along with your original records. Send new evidence as soon as you have it, with a cover letter explaining what it is. Mail it to the DDS office address on your reconsideration notice. The earlier you submit it, the more time the examiner has to consider it before making a decision.

Do I have to attend a Consultative Examination?

Yes. If the SSA requests a CE, you must attend. If you cannot make the scheduled date, call the DDS office when ready to reschedule. Missing a CE without rescheduling can result in a denial because the SSA may conclude you are not cooperating with the process.

What happens if reconsideration is denied?

You have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you do not request a hearing within 60 days, the denial becomes final and you cannot appeal it. You can file a new claim after 12 months, but that starts the process over from the beginning.

Should I hire a representative during reconsideration?

Many people do, especially if they plan to request a hearing if reconsideration is denied. A representative can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a possible hearing, and explain what to expect at each stage. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by law.