Reconsideration appeals usually take three to five months, but the actual wait depends on your state and how complete your paperwork is
When you ask Social Security to reconsider your denied SSDI claim, there is no fixed important date. The agency aims to finish most reconsiderations within 60 to 90 days, but many take longer — sometimes six months or more. The wait is longest in states with high claim volume and shortest when you send all required documents with your request the first time.
The timeline also depends on whether you need a new medical exam. If Social Security orders one, that exam has to be scheduled, completed, and reported back before your case can move forward. A single delay in scheduling can add weeks to your total time.
You will not hear anything for the first several weeks. Social Security does not send status updates during reconsideration, so silence does not mean your case is stuck — it usually means it is in the normal queue.
Key Takeaways
- Most reconsideration decisions come within three to five months, though some take longer depending on your state and the complexity of your medical records.
- Social Security may order a new medical exam as part of reconsideration, which can add four to eight weeks to the timeline if the exam takes time to schedule.
- You will not receive status updates while your case is under review — the agency only contacts you when a decision is ready or if they need more information from you.
- Sending complete paperwork with your reconsideration request, including all recent medical records, can shorten your wait by several weeks.
- If reconsideration takes longer than six months, you can call Social Security to ask whether your case is still being processed.
What happens during the first month after you request reconsideration
After you submit your reconsideration request, Social Security sends you a notice confirming they received it. This notice arrives within one to two weeks and includes a case number. Keep this number — you will need it if you call to check on your case later.
During weeks two through four, a claims examiner is assigned to your file. They review your original denial, read the reason Social Security gave for rejecting your claim, and decide whether to order a new medical exam or make a decision based on the records already in your file. You will not hear about this step — it happens behind the scenes.
If Social Security has all the medical evidence they need, they may move straight to a decision. If they think new medical information would help, they order an exam from a doctor or psychologist in their network. The exam request goes out during this period, but scheduling the actual appointment happens next.
The medical exam stage (if one is ordered)
Not every reconsideration includes a new exam. Social Security orders one when your original medical records are old, incomplete, or do not clearly show whether you can work. If they order an exam, you will receive a notice telling you where and when to go.
The exam itself takes one to three hours depending on whether it is physical, mental health, or both. After the exam, the doctor sends a report back to Social Security. This report then has to be added to your file and reviewed by the claims examiner — a process that typically takes two to four weeks.
If you miss the exam appointment, Social Security may deny your reconsideration. If you cannot make the scheduled date, call the exam provider when ready and ask to reschedule. Do not ignore the notice.
The decision phase and how you will be notified
Once all medical evidence is in your file, the claims examiner writes a decision. This decision is either an approval (your claim is now accepted) or another denial (your claim is rejected again, usually with a different reason or the same reason explained in more detail).
Social Security mails the decision to you. The letter explains why they approved or denied your claim and tells you what to do next. If you are approved, the letter includes information about when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you are denied again, the letter explains your right to file an appeal with an administrative law judge.
The decision letter is the only official notice you receive. Social Security does not call or email to tell you the outcome. Check your mail regularly, especially after the three-month mark.
Why some reconsiderations take longer than others
Your state's workload is the biggest factor. States like California, Texas, and New York have thousands of pending cases, so reconsiderations there often take five to six months. States with smaller populations may finish in two to three months.
Incomplete paperwork also delays decisions. If you did not include recent medical records or if Social Security cannot locate records from your doctors, they have to request them. Each request adds one to three weeks to your timeline.
The type of disability you claim matters too. Mental health conditions often require more detailed medical evidence than physical injuries, so reconsiderations for psychiatric disabilities sometimes take longer. Likewise, if your condition is rare or complex, the examiner may need more time to evaluate whether it meets Social Security's standards.
Finally, if Social Security orders an exam and the exam provider has a long waiting list, that alone can add two months to your case. Some areas have few doctors in Social Security's network, so scheduling takes time.
What to do if your reconsideration is taking too long
After six months, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update. Have your case number ready. The representative can tell you whether your case is still being processed, whether an exam was ordered, or whether a decision has been made but not yet mailed.
If Social Security tells you an exam was ordered but never scheduled, ask them to contact the exam provider and request an expedited appointment. If they say your case is delayed because of missing medical records, ask which records they need and offer to contact your doctor yourself to speed up the process.
Do not assume your case is lost or forgotten if you have not heard anything after three months. Silence is normal during reconsideration. However, if you reach the six-month mark and Social Security cannot tell you where your case stands, ask to speak with a supervisor.
What happens after reconsideration if you are denied again
If Social Security denies your reconsideration, you have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to file an appeal with an administrative law judge. This is a different process from reconsideration and usually takes longer — typically 12 to 18 months depending on your area.
The 60-day window is strict. If you miss it, you lose your right to appeal that particular denial. If you are close to the important date and need more time, you can ask Social Security for a 10-day extension, though extensions are not always granted.
Many people hire a disability lawyer or representative at this stage. A representative can file the appeal for you and handle communication with Social Security and the judge's office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check on my reconsideration status online?
Social Security does not offer online status tracking for reconsiderations. You must call 1-800-772-1213 with your case number. The representative can tell you whether your case is still pending, whether an exam was ordered, or whether a decision has been mailed.
What if I get a new medical diagnosis while waiting for reconsideration?
Send the new medical records to Social Security when ready. Include a letter explaining that you are submitting additional evidence for your pending reconsideration and include your case number. New evidence can sometimes change the outcome, though it may also extend your wait by a few weeks while the examiner reviews it.
Does reconsideration take longer if I have a lawyer?
No. The timeline is the same whether you represent yourself or have a lawyer. However, a lawyer or representative can sometimes speed up the process by requesting status updates, ensuring all paperwork is complete, and following up if an exam is not scheduled promptly.
What if Social Security loses my reconsideration request?
This is rare, but if you submitted your request in person at a Social Security office, ask for a receipt. If you mailed it, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. If Social Security says they never received it, you can resubmit and ask them to note the original submission date in your file.
Can I work while waiting for reconsideration?
Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration timeline or your chances of approval. However, if you earn more than Social Security's monthly limit for substantial work, it may affect your benefits once you are approved. Ask Social Security what the current earnings limit is for your state.