Reconsideration Defined

Reconsideration is the first formal level of appeal in the Social Security disability process. When you request reconsideration after an initial denial, a different SSA disability examiner — not the person who made the original decision — reviews your entire case file from scratch. You can also submit new evidence at this stage, including updated medical records and physician statements.

In most states, reconsideration is a mandatory step — you must complete it before requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Skipping reconsideration is generally not permitted. If you try to jump directly to an ALJ hearing request, SSA will typically redirect you back to the reconsideration process first.

Note:

How to Request Reconsideration

You must file your reconsideration request within 60 days of the date on your denial notice (plus 5 days for mail). Late requests may be accepted if you can demonstrate "good cause." Here's how to file:

  • Online: At SSA.gov — fastest and most reliable. Go to "Appeal a Decision" in your my Social Security account.
  • By phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
  • In person: At your local Social Security office
  • Mail: Send Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration) to your local SSA office

When filing, you should also submit any new medical evidence — updated treatment records, specialist reports, physician RFC assessments — that wasn't included in your original application.

What Happens During Reconsideration?

After you file your reconsideration request, here's what the process looks like:

  1. SSA Acknowledges Your Request

    You'll receive written acknowledgment that your reconsideration request was received. Keep this for your records.

  2. New Examiner Reviews Your File

    A Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner who was not involved in your original decision reviews your complete case file — the original records plus any new evidence you submitted.

  3. Possible Medical Review

    A state agency medical consultant may review your medical records as part of the reconsideration process. SSA may also request additional medical records from your providers.

  4. Possible Consultative Exam

    In some cases, SSA may order a new consultative examination if they feel additional medical information is needed. Attend if asked — failure to cooperate can result in denial.

  5. Decision Issued

    SSA issues a written reconsideration decision, typically within 3–6 months. If approved, your benefits begin. If denied, you have 60 days to request an ALJ hearing.

The Harsh Reality: Reconsideration Denial Rates

There's no sugarcoating this: approximately 87% of reconsideration requests are denied. This means reconsideration is a stage that most claimants will pass through on the way to the ALJ hearing — not a stage where most cases are resolved.

Why are rates so low? The reconsideration process is largely an administrative review of the same type of evidence that led to the original denial, evaluated by the same type of examiner using the same criteria. Without significant new evidence or a clear legal error in the original decision, the outcome often mirrors the initial denial.

Strategic insight: Even though reconsideration rarely results in approval, it's an essential and required step in most states. Use the reconsideration period wisely: gather comprehensive new evidence, get a physician RFC assessment, and engage a disability representative. You're building toward the ALJ hearing, which is where most cases are won.

How to Use Reconsideration Strategically

Since you'll likely proceed to an ALJ hearing, treat reconsideration as a preparation period for that more important stage:

Submit New Medical Evidence

Any medical records that were missing from your original file should be submitted. This includes updated treatment notes from all providers, new test results, specialist evaluations, and records from any new conditions that have developed or worsened.

Get a Physician RFC Assessment

Ask your treating physician to complete a detailed functional capacity form (RFC assessment) describing exactly what you can and cannot do physically and mentally. This is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in any disability case. Having it in your file at reconsideration means it will be part of the record going into the ALJ hearing.

Engage a Disability Representative

Representatives can help you submit the right evidence, identify weaknesses in your case, and set up a strong foundation for the ALJ hearing. Getting representation at this stage — rather than waiting — gives your representative more time to build your case. See our guide: When to Get Help After Denial.

Continue Regular Medical Treatment

Keep seeing your doctors. Consistent treatment creates a continuous medical record that shows your condition is ongoing and serious. Gaps in treatment can be used against you at later stages.

What Happens If Reconsideration Is Also Denied?

If your reconsideration request is denied, you receive another written notice explaining the decision and your appeal rights. You then have 60 days (plus 5 days for mail) to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

An ALJ hearing is a much more favorable environment for claimants than the administrative review stages. You appear before an independent judge, can present testimony, submit evidence, have a representative argue your case, and cross-examine any expert witnesses. Approval rates at this level are substantially higher — typically 45–55% overall, and meaningfully higher for represented claimants.

If you haven't yet engaged a representative, getting one before your ALJ hearing is one of the most impactful things you can do for your case.

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