What Is The Reconsideration And How Long Does It Take?
Key Takeaways
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Reconsideration is the first appeal after an initial disability denial. A new examiner at Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your entire claim with fresh eyes.
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It usually takes three to six months, though the SSA's national average has recently run closer to seven months for medical denials.
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You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561).
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Approval rates are low — only about 13–15% of claims are approved at this stage — but filing protects your back pay and is a required step toward a hearing.
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Reconsideration now applies in every state. The 10 former "prototype" states that once skipped this step have had it reinstated by the SSA.
If your initial disability application was denied and you filed an appeal within 60 days, your claim enters the reconsideration phase — the second step in the Social Security disability process. The most common question at this stage is simple: how long is this going to take?
In short, most reconsideration decisions arrive within three to six months, though some take longer depending on your medical records, your examiner's caseload, and whether the SSA needs additional evidence. Below, we break down exactly what happens during reconsideration, how long each part takes, and how to give your claim the best possible chance.
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What Is the Reconsideration Stage?
Reconsideration is the first level of appeal in the Social Security disability process. It begins after you're denied on your initial disability application and file an appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial letter.
The reconsideration phase works much like the initial application: your case is assigned to an adjudicator (examiner) at Disability Determination Services (DDS), who decides whether you qualify for benefits under Social Security's rules. The key difference is that your claim goes to a new examiner — a completely fresh set of eyes — who reviews everything previously submitted, plus any new evidence you provide.
That fresh review is the whole point. If the first examiner made an error, or if your medical condition has worsened and you can document it, reconsideration is your chance to correct the record before your case moves to a hearing.
How Long Does Reconsideration Take?
Most reconsideration decisions take between three and six months. According to the SSA's own processing data, the national average for medical denials has recently been closer to seven months, so timelines vary widely by state and by case.
Here's roughly how the timeline unfolds:
|
Step |
Typical timing |
|
File your appeal after denial |
Within 60 days of your denial letter |
|
Claim reassigned to a new DDS examiner |
A few weeks |
|
Medical records requested and reviewed |
1–4 months (the biggest variable) |
|
Any consultative exams (CEs) or ADL questionnaires |
Adds several weeks if required |
|
Decision mailed to you |
When review is complete |
The single biggest factor in how long this takes is how quickly your medical providers respond to records requests. Some facilities turn records around in days; others are notoriously slow, and your decision can't be made until your file is complete.
What Affects Your Timeline?
Several things can speed up — or stall — your reconsideration:
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Speed of medical records. The examiner can't decide until they have current records. Slow-responding providers are the most common cause of delay.
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Whether a consultative exam is ordered. If your file lacks recent evidence, the SSA may schedule a CE with an independent doctor, adding time.
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Activities of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaires. If the examiner sends one, the decision waits until it's returned.
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Examiner caseload. Backlogs vary by state DDS office.
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The 90-day hold. Under special circumstances — for example, if your condition is expected to change due to recent surgery or a change in medication or therapy — the SSA may place a 90-day hold on your claim to re-evaluate your residual functioning. This further delays the decision but is meant to capture an accurate picture of your long-term limitations.
A disability attorney or representative can shorten delays by acting as the point of contact for your DDS examiner — making sure records are requested promptly and that nothing is missing from your file.
Does Every State Have Reconsideration?
Yes — as of now, reconsideration applies in every state.
This is a recent change worth understanding. For roughly two decades, the SSA ran a "prototype" pilot in 10 states (Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of California) where the reconsideration step was eliminated. In those states, an initial denial went straight to a hearing.
The SSA began phasing out that prototype model in 2019 and reinstated reconsideration in all 10 states by 2020. If you've read older guides claiming your state "skips" reconsideration, that information is outdated — you should now expect a reconsideration step regardless of where you live. When in doubt, your denial letter will tell you exactly which appeal applies to your claim.
How to File for Reconsideration
You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. Missing this deadline can force you to restart with a brand-new application, so act quickly. Here's how:
1. Complete the required forms
Three SSA forms are typically involved:
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Form SSA-561 — Request for Reconsideration
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Form SSA-3441 — Disability Report – Appeal (updates your medical, work, and treatment info)
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Form SSA-827 — Authorization to Disclose Information (lets the SSA pull your medical records)
2. Gather new and updated evidence
This is where appeals are won or lost. Submit updated medical records, doctor's statements describing your limitations, and any new diagnoses or test results since your initial filing. If you submit nothing new, the examiner is likely to reach the same conclusion as the first.
3. Submit online or by mail
You can file your appeal through the SSA's online appeals portal or by mailing the forms to your local SSA office.
4. Track your claim status
Log in to your my Social Security account to monitor where your appeal stands and when to expect a decision.
If you need help appealing your initial denial and filing for reconsideration, contact Quikaid — we handle the paperwork and the back-and-forth with DDS for you.
What Are Your Chances of Winning at Reconsideration?
Honest answer: the odds are low. Only about 13–15% of claims are approved at the reconsideration level. Most cases are denied again and move on to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge — which historically has a much higher approval rate.
That low number isn't a reason to skip reconsideration, though. In most states it's a required step before you can request a hearing, and filing it on time protects your potential back pay (more on that below).
How to Improve Your Odds at Reconsideration
While there's no guaranteed way to win, you can meaningfully strengthen your claim:
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Submit updated medical records that clearly document your condition, treatments, and functional limitations.
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Read your denial letter closely and directly address the specific reasons your initial claim was denied.
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Provide detailed work-history information showing how your condition prevents you from doing your past jobs.
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Add new evidence — recent test results, specialist opinions, or statements from people who witness your limitations day to day.
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Work with a representative who knows what DDS examiners look for and can assemble a complete, persuasive appeal package.
Back Pay and Reconsideration
Filing for reconsideration also protects your back pay. The SSA can award benefits dating back to your original application (and, in some cases, before it), so keeping your claim alive through each appeal stage preserves that lump-sum eligibility. If you walk away after a denial and later re-apply, you may forfeit months of back pay tied to your earlier filing date.
What Happens If You're Denied Again?
If your reconsideration is denied — and statistically, it often is — don't be discouraged. You'll receive a notice explaining your right to the next appeal: a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
You'll again have 60 days to request the hearing. This is widely considered the most important stage of the process and the point where many claimants finally win, because you can testify in person and present your case directly to a judge. Having an experienced representative prepare and present your case is especially valuable at this level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SSDI reconsideration take in 2026?
Most reconsideration decisions take three to six months, though the SSA's national average has recently been around seven months for medical denials. The biggest variable is how fast your medical providers send your records.
How long do I have to file for reconsideration?
You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter. If you miss it without good cause, you may have to start over with a new application.
What are my chances of winning reconsideration?
About 13–15% of claims are approved at reconsideration. If you're denied, your next step — a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge — has a significantly higher success rate.
Can I add new medical evidence during reconsideration?
Yes, and you should. A new examiner reviews your full file plus anything new you submit. Updated records and doctor's statements are the most effective way to improve your odds.
Which states skip the reconsideration step?
None anymore. The SSA reinstated reconsideration in all 10 former "prototype" states by 2020, so every state now includes a reconsideration stage.
Do I need a lawyer for reconsideration?
You're not required to have one, but a disability representative can manage your paperwork, chase down records, communicate with your examiner, and make sure deadlines are met — all of which can strengthen your claim and reduce delays.
Need Help With Your Reconsideration?
If you've been denied and need help filing your reconsideration, Quikaid can take it from here. We act as the point of contact for your DDS examiner, keep your claim on track, and fight to get you approved.
Get a Free Case Evaluation · Sign Our Contract Online · Call (800) 941-1321
Hire America's Disability Experts® — you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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