Your claim was selected for quality review, not denied

If you received a notice saying your SSDI claim has been selected for quality review, it means the Social Security Administration is checking the work their staff did on your case. This is a routine audit—not a sign that something is wrong with your claim or that you did anything incorrectly. Quality reviews happen to a sample of claims across the country every month.

The review typically takes place around 60 days after your initial decision was made. During this time, a different examiner will look at your file to make sure the first decision followed Social Security's rules and used the right medical evidence. You do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you with a specific request.

The outcome of a quality review can go three ways: the original decision stands, the decision changes in your favor, or the decision changes against you. Most reviews confirm the original decision. If the review finds an error that helps your case, Social Security will correct it. If it finds an error that hurts your case, you will be notified and have the right to appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • A quality review is a routine check of your file by a second examiner, not a sign your claim has a problem.
  • The review usually happens around 60 days after your initial decision and you typically do not need to take action during it.
  • Social Security will contact you only if they need additional information or if the review changes your decision.
  • If the review changes your decision against you, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice.
  • Most quality reviews result in the original decision standing unchanged.

What the reviewer is actually checking

The examiner doing the quality review is looking at whether the first decision followed Social Security's rules for SSDI. They check whether the right medical records were obtained, whether the medical evidence supports the decision that was made, and whether the decision matches Social Security's guidelines for your condition and age.

They are not re-deciding your case from scratch. They are verifying that the first examiner did the job correctly. This means they are looking at the same medical records, the same work history, and the same information you already submitted. They are not asking for new evidence unless something in the file is unclear or incomplete.

The quality review process is separate from any appeal you might file. If you have already asked for reconsideration or filed an appeal, the quality review happens alongside that process, not instead of it.

When Social Security will contact you during the review

In most cases, you will not hear from Social Security while the quality review is happening. The examiner works from your existing file. However, Social Security may contact you if the reviewer finds that a piece of medical evidence is missing or unclear, or if they need you to clarify something you said in your process.

If Social Security does contact you, they will tell you exactly what they need and give you a important date to respond—usually at least 10 days. Respond within that important date, because missing it can slow down your review or result in a decision based on incomplete information.

You can also contact Social Security yourself during the review if you have new medical evidence that is relevant to your case. Send it to the local Social Security office that handled your claim, and ask them to add it to your file. Include a cover letter explaining why the evidence matters to your case.

What happens after 60 days

After the quality review is complete, Social Security will send you a notice explaining the outcome. If the original decision stands, the notice will be brief—it will straightforward confirm that the review found no errors. If you were approved, your benefits will continue as planned. If you were denied, the denial stands.

If the review finds an error that changes your decision, Social Security will send you a new decision notice. If the error works in your favor—for example, the reviewer finds that medical evidence was overlooked—your status may change from denied to approved, or your approval date may move earlier. If the error works against you, your approval may be reversed or your denial may be upheld when it was previously approved.

The notice you receive will explain what the reviewer found and why the decision was made. Keep this notice, because you will need it if you decide to appeal.

Your right to appeal if the decision changes against you

If the quality review results in a decision that is worse for you than the original decision, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file your appeal. The appeal is called a request for reconsideration, and it goes to a different examiner who will look at your case again.

To file a reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office or submit Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration) by mail. You can also file online through your my Social Security account if you have one. Include a written statement explaining why you disagree with the decision and any new medical evidence that supports your case.

Filing an appeal does not cost anything and does not hurt your case. If you were receiving benefits before the quality review reversed your approval, you may be able to continue receiving benefits while your appeal is pending—ask your local Social Security office about this option.

If you were approved and the review confirms it

If you received an approval notice and the quality review confirms that decision, nothing changes. Your benefits will start on the date Social Security originally set, or continue if they have already started. You do not need to do anything in response to the quality review notice.

After your benefits begin, you will need to report certain changes to Social Security—such as returning to work, a change in your living situation, or a significant improvement in your medical condition. Social Security will send you information about what to report and how to report it.

Keep your quality review notice in your records along with your original approval notice. If you ever need to prove that your claim was reviewed and approved, having both documents makes that easier.

If you were denied and the review confirms it

If you received a denial notice and the quality review confirms that decision, you still have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date of your original denial notice to file a request for reconsideration. The 60-day clock started when you received the original denial, not when you received the quality review notice, so check the date on your original notice to see how much time you have left.

If more than 60 days have passed since your original denial, you can still appeal, but you will need to explain to Social Security why you are filing late. Social Security may grant you an extension if you have a good reason—for example, if you did not receive the original notice, or if you were unable to file due to a medical emergency.

When you file your reconsideration, include any new medical evidence that has developed since your original process. New test results, new treatment records, or a letter from your doctor explaining how your condition has worsened can all strengthen your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a quality review mean my claim will be denied?

No. A quality review is a routine check, not a re-decision of your case. Most reviews confirm the original decision. Even if the review finds an error, it may work in your favor rather than against you.

Can I do anything to help during the quality review?

You do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you. If you have new medical evidence that is relevant to your case, you can send it to your local Social Security office and ask them to add it to your file. Include a letter explaining why it matters.

How long does a quality review actually take?

The notice says around 60 days, but the actual time varies. Some reviews finish faster, and some take longer if Social Security needs to request additional medical records. You will receive a notice when the review is complete.

What if I disagree with the quality review decision?

You have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration with a different examiner. Contact your local Social Security office or file Form SSA-561-U2. Include a written explanation of why you disagree and any new medical evidence that supports your case.

Can I work while my quality review is happening?

Yes. A quality review does not change the rules about work. If you were approved, you can work within the limits Social Security set. If you were denied, you can work while you appeal. Report any work income to Social Security as required.