Last updated 2026-07-10
TL;DR
If Social Security denied your disability claim, you have 60 days (plus 5 for mail) to request reconsideration. File online at ssa.gov/apply, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person. Online is fastest and gives you a timestamp. Reconsideration approves only about 2% to 13% of appeals, so plan to keep going to the hearing level.
What is reconsideration and when do you need it?
Reconsideration is the first formal step in Social Security's four-level appeals process. When SSA denies your initial application for SSDI or SSI, you can't jump straight to a hearing before an administrative law judge. You go through reconsideration first. A different SSA examiner (not the one who denied you) reviews your file from scratch.
The four levels are reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people with winning cases finally get approved at the ALJ stage. But you can't skip reconsideration to get there. Miss the reconsideration deadline and SSA treats the denial as final, which usually means starting a brand-new application.
Reconsideration covers both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) denials. It also covers non-medical denials over income, resources, or overpayments, though the forms differ. This article is about medical denials of initial disability claims, which is the most common situation. [1]
One wrinkle depends on where you live. If you're in Alabama, Alaska, most of California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, or Pennsylvania, you may skip reconsideration and go straight to an ALJ hearing. SSA ran a prototype program that removed reconsideration in those states. Confirm your state's current process with your local SSA office before you file. [2]
What is the deadline to request reconsideration?
You have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice to file. SSA assumes you got the notice 5 days after it was mailed, so in practice you have 65 days from the date printed on the denial letter. [1]
Don't let that extra number relax you. The clock runs from the letter date, not from when you opened the envelope or understood what it said. If you lost the letter, moved, or got confused about the timeline, you can ask SSA to waive the deadline, but SSA only grants that for "good cause," which is a real bar to clear. File as early as you can.
Miss the deadline without good cause and your usual next option is a new application. That resets the waiting period and can change your alleged onset date and any back pay you were owed.
The 60-day rule lives at 20 CFR 404.909 for SSDI and 20 CFR 416.1409 for SSI. [3]
How do you request reconsideration online step by step?
Online filing is the fastest method and hands you a timestamped confirmation SSA can't dispute. Here's exactly how to do it.
1. Go to ssa.gov and click "Appeal a Decision," or go straight to the iAppeals portal at ssa.gov/apply. You'll need a my Social Security account. If you don't have one, create it first at ssa.gov/myaccount. It takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity.
2. Log in and select "Request for Reconsideration." You'll confirm your claim number (it's on your denial letter) and your contact information.
3. Complete Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration) online. The portal walks you through each field. You'll indicate whether you're contesting a medical or non-medical decision.
4. Complete Form SSA-3441-BK (Disability Report, Appeal) at the same time. This is where you tell SSA what has changed or worsened since your first application, list new doctors or treatment, and add any records you've collected. Don't skip this form or leave it blank. Reviewers mine it for new evidence.
5. If you have new medical records ready, upload them as PDFs right in the portal. If you don't have them yet, list the providers and SSA will try to request them. Following up yourself is smarter than trusting that to happen.
6. Submit and save your confirmation number. Screenshot or print the confirmation page.
The whole thing takes 20 to 45 minutes if you have your denial letter and provider details in front of you. [1]
To organize your claim information before you start, DisabilityFiled offers a guided intake that walks you through what SSA will ask and produces a claim summary you can keep next to you while you fill out the portal.
Can you request reconsideration by phone or in person instead?
Yes. If you can't get online or the portal confuses you, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. A representative can take your request by phone and mail you the paper forms. [4]
You can also walk into any local Social Security field office. Bring your denial letter, your Social Security card or number, and any new medical records you've gathered.
Phone and in-person requests take longer to process and carry more risk of forms getting lost. If you go in person, ask for a receipt or written confirmation that your appeal was filed that day. That filing date is what protects your deadline, not the date they finish processing it.
Some people do both: file online first to lock in the date, then drop off extra documents at the field office.
What forms do you need for reconsideration?
Two forms, and you complete them together.
SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration. This is the actual appeal form. It identifies you, your claim, and the decision you're contesting. Online filers complete it inside the iAppeals portal. [5]
SSA-3441-BK, Disability Report, Appeal. This is the document that decides whether your appeal gets a real look. It asks what conditions have gotten worse, whether you've seen new doctors, whether you've been hospitalized, and whether you have new evidence. A specific, thorough answer here is the difference between a rubber-stamp denial and an actual review. List every provider you've seen since you first applied, every new symptom, and every way your condition limits your daily life. [6]
If you're also contesting an overpayment or you have a concurrent SSI/SSDI case, extra forms may apply. The online portal tells you which ones fit your situation.
Don't submit these forms blank or with one-line answers. Examiners at Disability Determination Services (DDS) read them looking for reasons to approve or deny. Give them specifics.
What evidence should you submit with your reconsideration?
New medical evidence is one of the few things that actually moves the needle at reconsideration. Here's what to gather before you file.
Recent treatment records. Any visits, tests, or procedures since your initial application went in. Doctors' notes that describe your functional limits in plain language beat lab results and diagnoses alone.
A medical source statement, sometimes called an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form, from your treating physician. Your doctor states exactly what you can and can't do: how long you can sit, stand, walk, lift, and concentrate. SSA gives treating physician opinions significant weight when they line up with the rest of the evidence. [7]
Hospital records. If you were admitted after your initial application, request those records and submit them.
A function report in your own words. Describe how your conditions hit your daily life. Be specific and honest. "I am in constant pain" tells SSA almost nothing. "I can stand no more than 10 minutes before pain forces me to sit down" tells them something they can measure.
Skip these: duplicate copies of records already in your file (SSA has them), vague letters from friends or family (they carry almost no weight), and records about conditions you never claimed.
SSA's Blue Book (the Listing of Impairments) spells out the medical criteria for automatic approval. If your condition meets or equals a listing, your evidence should show that clearly. The Blue Book is at ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook. [8]
What happens after you submit a reconsideration request?
SSA sends your case to a Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, the state-level agency that makes medical decisions for SSA. A different examiner (not the one behind your initial denial) reviews your full file, including any new evidence you added. [9]
SSA may schedule a consultative examination (CE), where a doctor they pay examines you. You're generally required to attend. Skip a scheduled CE without good cause and you can be denied for it.
Reconsideration decisions take roughly 3 to 6 months, though that swings with your state and its backlog. SSA doesn't publish consistent nationwide data on reconsideration processing times by state, so treat any specific estimate as rough.
SSA mails you a written decision. Approve, and the letter explains your benefit amount and when payments start. Deny again (the more common outcome), and the letter includes instructions for requesting an ALJ hearing, the next level, where approval rates jump.
Check your appeal status at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. [4]
What are the approval rates for reconsideration?
Reconsideration has the lowest approval rate anywhere in the appeals process. SSA's own data shows roughly 2% to 13% of reconsideration appeals get approved in recent years, landing somewhere around 10% to 14% on average depending on the year and claim type. [10]
ALJ hearings approve closer to 45% to 55% of cases, per SSA's Office of Hearings Operations data. That gap is the whole story.
None of this means skip reconsideration. In most states you legally can't. It means file reconsideration fast, do it thoroughly, and start preparing for the ALJ hearing right away in case you need it. Line up representation. Start collecting stronger evidence now.
SSA denied roughly 67% of initial SSDI applications at the initial level in recent fiscal years. Most claimants are standing exactly where you are. [10]
Reconsideration does one useful thing beyond the small approval odds: it forces SSA to look at your file again and can reveal what evidence they think is missing. Read the denial letter closely. It cites specific regulations and reasons. Those reasons are your roadmap for the ALJ hearing.
For what's actually at stake, the social security disability benefits pay chart shows what monthly payments look like if your appeal wins.
Should you hire a lawyer or advocate for reconsideration?
Most disability attorneys will tell you straight: attorney involvement at reconsideration rarely changes the outcome, given how low the approval rate is. That doesn't make representation pointless here. It means most attorneys save their energy for the ALJ hearing.
Still, two good reasons to call an attorney before or during reconsideration. First, they can help you gather the right medical evidence now, which pays off at every stage. Second, SSA's contingency fee system means a disability attorney charges nothing unless you win, and the fee is capped by law at 25% of your back pay or $7,200 (as of 2024), whichever is less. [11] There's no financial downside to consulting one early.
Non-attorney representatives and advocates work under similar contingency terms and can be just as effective.
To find qualified representation, start with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) at nosscr.org, or your state's legal aid organization. You can also reach experienced firms through the social security disability attorneys firm partners contact page.
Don't pay upfront fees to anyone who "guarantees" your approval. That's a red flag.
What if your reconsideration is denied? What comes next?
A reconsideration denial is not the end. Most people who eventually win SSDI or SSI benefits win at the ALJ hearing, not at reconsideration.
After a reconsideration denial, you have another 60 days (plus 5 for mail) to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Same deadline rules. File the hearing request at the same iAppeals portal, ssa.gov/apply, by phone, or in person.
ALJ hearings are more formal and far more effective. You present your case to a judge, usually by video or phone. You can submit more evidence, have witnesses testify, and cross-examine the vocational expert SSA brings. Approval rates here run several times higher than at reconsideration. [10]
If the ALJ denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council and then to federal district court. Cases can take years to move through all four levels. That's exactly why you apply fast and appeal at every stage without missing a deadline.
More on the whole system lives at social security disability, and what disability benefits actually pay if you win.
For people with very serious diagnoses, the social security compassionate allowances expansion program can fast-track approvals even during an appeal, so check whether your condition qualifies.
What common mistakes make reconsideration harder to win?
Missing the 60-day deadline is the biggest one, and it ends the appeal entirely without good cause. Set a calendar reminder the day your denial letter arrives.
Submitting no new evidence is second. Send in your reconsideration with the same information SSA already rejected and you'll almost certainly get the same answer. Reconsideration is your chance to fill the gaps. Use it.
Leaving the SSA-3441 Disability Report, Appeal blank or vague. This form is your chance to tell a fuller story. Plenty of people treat it as a formality and write almost nothing. That's a wasted opportunity.
Skipping a consultative examination. If SSA schedules a CE and you miss it, the examiner can deny your claim for failure to cooperate. Got a scheduling conflict? Call SSA right away to reschedule.
Forgetting to update your contact information. If SSA can't reach you or mails to an old address, you can miss important notices, including the reconsideration decision itself.
Not reading the denial letter carefully. The letter cites specific regulations and spells out what evidence SSA found lacking. Most people set it aside because it stings. Force yourself to read it closely. It tells you what to fix.
SSA is currently restructuring how it processes medical reviews, with more decisions handled centrally. See social security is bringing all medical disability reviews in-house for how that could affect your timeline.
For how to apply correctly from the start, apply for social security disability covers the initial application in detail.
Is there anything else to know about reconsideration for SSI specifically?
SSI reconsideration works the same way procedurally as SSDI: same forms, same deadline, same online portal. The difference is in the program rules underneath.
SSI has strict income and resource limits. As of 2025, the SSI resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. [12] If SSA denied your SSI claim partly for non-medical reasons (too much income, too many resources), your reconsideration has to take on those facts, not only your medical condition.
Concurrent claimants, meaning people who applied for both SSDI and SSI at once, file one reconsideration that covers both claims. The portal handles this automatically when you enter your claim number.
SSI recipients who already get benefits and face a decision to reduce or stop payments have an extra right: request reconsideration and ask that benefits continue during the appeal. This is called "continuation of benefits," and the request must be made within 10 days of the notice. [3] That's a much tighter window, so move immediately if this is you.
For what SSI pays and how payments arrive, the social security disability benefits payment schedule explains timing for both programs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SSA reconsideration take?
Reconsideration decisions take about 3 to 6 months on average, though this swings with your state and current SSA backlogs. SSA does not guarantee a timeline. Check your appeal status at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If your condition is terminal or extremely severe, ask SSA about expedited processing.
Can I request reconsideration after 60 days?
You can try, but SSA only accepts a late request if you show "good cause" for missing the deadline. Good cause includes things like a serious illness that kept you from filing, not receiving the notice because you moved, or a death in your immediate family. SSA reviews these case by case. Without good cause, you will likely need a new application.
Do I need a lawyer to file for reconsideration?
No. You can file reconsideration yourself online, by phone, or in person. Given the low approval rate (around 2% to 13%), many attorneys focus their energy on the ALJ hearing. Even so, contacting an attorney early is free under the contingency fee structure, and they can help you gather stronger medical evidence now that pays off at every stage of your appeal.
What is the SSA reconsideration form called?
The main form is SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration. You also complete SSA-3441-BK, the Disability Report, Appeal. Both are filled out inside SSA's iAppeals portal at ssa.gov/apply. Paper versions exist if you can't file online. The SSA-3441 matters most, because that's where you document new medical evidence and worsening symptoms.
What is the reconsideration approval rate for SSDI?
Reconsideration approves roughly 2% to 13% of appealed SSDI claims, depending on the year and state. It's the lowest-approval stage in the process. ALJ hearings approve closer to 45% to 55% of cases. That's why most successful claimants win at the hearing level. Still, you must file reconsideration in most states before you can request an ALJ hearing.
Can I add new medical evidence when I request reconsideration?
Yes, and you should. New medical evidence is one of the most effective moves at the reconsideration stage. Include recent treatment records, any hospital stays since your initial application, and ideally a residual functional capacity (RFC) form completed by your treating physician. List all new providers on the SSA-3441 Disability Report, Appeal so SSA can request records it doesn't already have.
What states skip reconsideration and go straight to an ALJ hearing?
SSA ran a prototype program removing reconsideration in parts of Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. If you live in one of these states, you may be able to request an ALJ hearing directly after your initial denial. Confirm with your local SSA office, since the program status can change.
How do I check the status of my SSA reconsideration appeal?
Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount and look under "Appeals." You can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Your local field office can give status updates in person too. Updates aren't always detailed; the system mainly tells you whether a decision has been made.
What happens if SSA denies my reconsideration?
You have 60 days plus 5 for mail to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). File through the same iAppeals portal at ssa.gov/apply. ALJ hearings have much higher approval rates than reconsideration and are where most people who eventually win SSDI or SSI benefits succeed. Read your reconsideration denial letter closely; it tells you exactly what evidence SSA found missing.
Can I request reconsideration if SSA is stopping my current disability benefits?
Yes, and the rules shift slightly. If SSA sends a notice that it plans to stop or reduce benefits you already get, you can request reconsideration and ask that benefits continue during the appeal. This continuation request must be made within 10 days of receiving the notice, not 60 days. Act immediately if you get this type of letter.
What is the difference between reconsideration and an ALJ hearing?
Reconsideration is a paper review by a different SSA examiner, no hearing. An ALJ hearing is a formal proceeding where you appear (usually by video or phone) before a judge, submit more evidence, have witnesses, and cross-examine SSA's vocational expert. Approval rates at ALJ hearings run several times higher than at reconsideration. Most claimants need to reach the hearing level to win.
Is there a fee to file reconsideration with Social Security?
No. Filing a reconsideration appeal with SSA is free. There are no court fees or government filing fees at any level of the Social Security appeals process through the Appeals Council. If you hire an attorney or representative, they work on contingency and can't collect a fee unless you win. The fee is capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (as of 2024), whichever is less.
Can I request reconsideration for an SSI denial for non-medical reasons?
Yes. If SSA denied your SSI claim because of excess income or resources rather than, or in addition to, medical reasons, you can still request reconsideration through the same process. Your reconsideration should directly address the non-medical reason for denial, such as documenting a change in income or proving that a resource doesn't count toward the SSI limit.
Sources
- SSA.gov, Appeals Process: Reconsideration is the first step in SSA's four-level appeals process; online filing available at ssa.gov/apply; 60-day deadline applies
- SSA.gov, Hearings and Appeals, ALJ Prototype States: Certain states participated in a prototype eliminating the reconsideration step and allowing direct ALJ hearings
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart J, Section 404.909 and 20 CFR Part 416, Subpart N, Section 416.1409: 60-day deadline to request reconsideration for SSDI (20 CFR 404.909) and SSI (20 CFR 416.1409); 10-day continuation of benefits window for cessation notices
- SSA.gov, Contact Social Security: SSA can be reached at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; appeal status available at ssa.gov/myaccount
- SSA.gov, Form SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration: SSA-561-U2 is the official Request for Reconsideration form used for both SSDI and SSI appeals
- SSA.gov, Form SSA-3441-BK, Disability Report, Appeal: SSA-3441-BK, Disability Report, Appeal is the form used to document new medical evidence and changes in condition for reconsideration
- SSA.gov, Program Operations Manual System (POMS), DI 22505.003, Medical Source Statements: SSA gives significant weight to treating physician medical source statements describing functional limitations consistent with the overall evidence
- SSA.gov, Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (Blue Book): SSA's Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) defines medical criteria for automatic approval; meeting or equaling a listing results in approval regardless of vocational factors
- SSA.gov, Disability Determination Process: Reconsideration cases are reviewed by a different DDS examiner than the one who made the initial determination
- SSA Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program: SSA denied approximately 67% of initial SSDI applications; reconsideration approval rates range roughly 2-13%; ALJ hearing approval rates approximately 45-55% in recent fiscal years
- SSA.gov, Fee Agreements for Disability Representatives: Attorney contingency fees are capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (as of 2024), whichever is less; no upfront fees allowed
- SSA.gov, SSI Resource Limits: SSI resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple as of 2025