How to Request Reconsideration of a Denied SSDI Claim

What happens when you request reconsideration

When Social Security denies your SSDI claim, you have the right to ask them to look at it again. This second review is called reconsideration, and it means a different examiner will read your file from the start. You do not have to accept the first decision.

Reconsideration is free and it does not cost you anything to request it. The process takes several months — typically three to five months, though timing varies by your local Social Security office. During reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that was not in your original file, and you can explain why you believe the first decision was wrong.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can move forward to the next step: a hearing before an administrative law judge. But reconsideration is where most people start when they want to challenge a denial.

Key Takeaways

• You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial letter, though you can ask Social Security to extend this deadline if you have a good reason.
• Submit your request using Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration), available on the Social Security website or at your local office.
• Include any new medical records, test results, or statements from doctors that show your condition is disabling — this is your chance to add evidence the first examiner did not see.
• A different examiner will review your entire file, and you can submit a written statement explaining why you disagree with the denial.

The 60-day deadline and how to extend it

Your denial letter includes a date by which you must request reconsideration. This deadline is usually 60 days from the date on the letter. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to reconsideration and must go straight to a hearing request instead — which takes longer and costs more if you later hire a lawyer.

If you cannot meet the 60-day deadline, you can ask Social Security to extend it. Write a letter explaining why you missed the deadline — illness, moving, not understanding the letter, or caring for a family member are all reasons Social Security has accepted before. Mail this letter to your local Social Security office along with your reconsideration request. Social Security will decide whether to grant the extension, and they often do if your reason is genuine.

Do not wait until day 59 to request reconsideration. Mail takes time, and Social Security dates requests by the day they receive them, not the day you send them. If you are close to the deadline, call your local office or submit your request in person.

How to submit your reconsideration request

You have three ways to request reconsideration: by mail, in person, or online through your Social Security account.

By mail: Fill out Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration) and mail it to your local Social Security office. Include your name, Social Security number, and the date of your denial letter. Attach copies of any new medical evidence. Keep a copy for yourself and consider mailing it certified mail so you have proof of the date Social Security received it.

In person: Walk into your local Social Security office with the completed form and your new medical records. Ask for a receipt showing the date you submitted your request. This is the fastest way to make sure your request is officially received.

Online: If you have a my Social Security account, you can request reconsideration through your account dashboard. Log in, find your claim, and select the option to request reconsideration. You can upload documents directly. This method gives you an immediate confirmation that your request was received.

What new medical evidence to include

Reconsideration is your chance to submit medical records that were not in your original file. The first examiner may have denied your claim because your medical evidence was incomplete or outdated. A new doctor's statement, recent test results, or hospital records can change the outcome.

Focus on evidence that shows your condition prevents you from working. This might include: recent imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT scan), lab results, a letter from your treating doctor describing your symptoms and limitations, records from a hospital stay or emergency room visit, mental health evaluations if you have depression or anxiety, or documentation of medications you take and their side effects.

If you have seen a new doctor since your original application, ask them to write a statement about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Doctors understand what Social Security is looking for, and a clear statement from your own physician carries weight. If you cannot afford to see a doctor, some community health centers offer free or low-cost visits.

Writing a statement explaining your disagreement

You can include a written statement with your reconsideration request explaining why you believe the first decision was wrong. This statement should be clear and specific — not angry, but direct about how your condition limits you.

Describe what you cannot do because of your condition. Instead of "I am in pain," write "I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without severe back pain that makes me unable to focus on work." Instead of "I am depressed," write "I have been hospitalized twice in the past year for suicidal thoughts, and I am unable to leave my home most days." Social Security examiners read hundreds of files; specific details about your daily life matter more than general statements.

Keep your statement to one or two pages. Mention any jobs you have tried to work since your condition worsened and explain why you could not continue. If you have been denied before, you can note that and explain what has changed since then.

What happens during the reconsideration review

A different examiner will be assigned to your case. They will read your entire file — your original application, the first examiner's decision, any new medical records you submitted, and your written statement. They are not bound by the first decision and will make their own information based on all available evidence.

The examiner may order a new medical evaluation or contact your doctors to ask questions about your condition. You will not meet with the examiner in person during reconsideration; the review happens on paper. However, if you want to submit additional information after you have sent in your request, you can mail it to your local office and ask them to add it to your file.

Social Security will mail you a new decision letter when reconsideration is complete. If you are approved, they will tell you when your benefits begin. If you are denied again, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

When to consider hiring a lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to request reconsideration. Many people handle it themselves and are approved. However, if reconsideration is also denied, hiring a lawyer before you request a hearing can improve your chances significantly. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win — usually 25 percent, capped at $7,200 by federal law. You pay nothing upfront.

A lawyer can help you gather stronger medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and present your case to the judge. If you are thinking about hiring someone, you can do it at any point — before reconsideration, after reconsideration is denied, or right before your hearing. Many lawyers offer free consultations and can tell you whether your case is strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration request. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may view it as evidence that you can work, which could hurt your case. If you need to work, keep your earnings as low as possible and document any limitations that prevent you from working full-time.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

Gather whatever medical documentation you have: emergency room records, hospital discharge papers, pharmacy records showing medications, or letters from any healthcare provider who has seen you. If you have no records at all, see a doctor before submitting reconsideration — even one visit creates a record. Community health centers and urgent care clinics can see you quickly and inexpensively.

How long does reconsideration actually take?

Most cases take three to five months, but some take longer depending on how busy your local office is and whether Social Security orders a new medical evaluation. There is no way to speed this up. If you need money urgently, look into whether you may have access to for other assistance programs while you wait.

What if I miss the 60-day deadline?

You can still request a hearing, which is the next step after reconsideration. A hearing takes longer — usually six months to a year — but you have the right to one. You cannot go back to reconsideration after the deadline passes. Call your local Social Security office immediately if you have missed the deadline; they can tell you your next options.

Can I request reconsideration more than once?

No. You get one reconsideration. If it is denied, your next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is actually better for you — judges approve more cases than examiners do, and you have the chance to testify and answer questions in person.