Reconsideration 101: Deadlines, Odds, What We Change

A Social Security disability denial letter can feel final. But it’s not.

If you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and got denied, your first appeal step is called a reconsideration.

This guide explains what a reconsideration is, how to request reconsideration for Social Security disability on time, and what to change so your appeal packet is stronger than your initial application.

What is Reconsideration?

A reconsideration is the first appeal after an initial denial for SSDI or SSI. At reconsideration, your claim gets reviewed by different people, not the same reviewers who made the first decision.

Both the initial review and reconsideration are handled through your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS).

The SSDI appeals process looks like this:

Reconsideration → Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) → Appeals Council → Federal court

Your claim could be denied again; that’s common. But it’s necessary to complete each appeal step in order.

Reconsideration Deadline: 60 Days to File

You’ll have 60 days to request reconsideration after you receive your denial letter.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) presumes you received the letter within five days of the letter’s date. If you received it later, make a note of the day you got it.

How to Mark Your Reconsideration Deadline

Look at the date on your denial notice and add five days. Count 60 days from that date and mark the final day to file on your calendar.

For example: If your denial letter is dated January 2nd, the SSA assumes it was received by January 7th. Sixty days from January 7th is March 7th. That’s your file by date.

What are Good Reasons to Miss the Deadline

If you miss the deadline, you still can file and ask the SSA to accept it late if you have a good reason (good cause). Reasons the SSA may accept include:

• Hospitalization or a serious medical crisis
• Housing instability or homelessness
• A close family emergency
• Mail delivery problems
• Physical or mental limitations

Keep your explanation short and honest. For example: “I received the denial notice late because I was hospitalized from [date] to [date]. I filed as soon as I was able.”

How to Request Reconsideration Step-by-Step

This section is general information, not legal or medical advice. Social Security rules and screens can vary by case. If you are unsure what your claim needs, ask the SSA.

Key Forms for Requesting Reconsideration

When requesting a reconsideration, you’ll need to file one or all of these forms:

• SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration: In this form, you tell the SSA and DDS that you disagree with the decision and want your case to be reconsidered.
• SSA-3441, Disability Report – Appeal: Use this form to provide updates on what changed since your first application such as treatment, symptoms, tests, doctors, and how your condition limits you.
• SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information: This gives your written permission for DDS to request medical and other records needed to decide your claim.

What You Need to File

Before you start the request for reconsideration, gather these:

• A short summary of what changed since the denial
• Your denial notice date and claim reference number
• Your Social Security number and contact information
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• Dates of new treatments and upcoming appointments
• New medications and/or side effects
• New diagnoses, tests, imaging, or hospital stays
• Changes in work activity since you applied

If you’re struggling to organize your appeal, Advocate can help.

Option 1: File Online

You can file a request for reconsideration online here. Select medical or non-medical reconsideration. Answer all the questions in the forms.

If you have new evidence like treatment notes or medical opinions you can’t submit online, say “I have additional evidence to submit that is not electronic” in the section My reasons are.

When you finish, save anything the system gives you: a confirmation screen, a re-entry number, or an email receipt.

Option 2: File by Mail or at Your Local SSA Office

You can file by mail or in person if you prefer. A typical paper packet includes the three forms above. Keep proof of what you filed with copies of every form. If you mail it, use a method with tracking and delivery confirmation. If you drop it off, ask for a stamped copy or a receipt. Keep a simple log of what you sent, how you filed, and the date.

What to Change When Filing for Reconsideration

Reconsideration is not a reset. It’s a chance to fix what led to the denial. Use your denial letter like a roadmap.

Step 1: Read Your Denial Reason and Pick The Right Strategy

Denials have two categories, technical/non-medical and medical. A technical denial stems from non-medical reasons like work credits, income, resources, or missing paperwork. A medical denial stems from a lack of evidence showing you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Use the wording in your denial letter to decide your next step.

Some examples:

• If it says, “you earned too much” or “worked above the limit,” focus on work details like reduced hours, the date your job ended, and reduced earnings.
• If it says, “we do not have enough evidence,” focus on missing records or providers and updated tests.
• If it says, “your condition is not severe enough,” focus on functional limits explaining what you can’t do reliably, not just your diagnoses.
• If it says, “you can do other work,” explain limitations that affect your attendance, pace, lifting, standing, or concentration.

Step 2: What New Evidence Really Means

New evidence is not necessarily a new diagnosis. It often means providing records of treatments you’ve had since the first decision, records that were missing when you applied, or more details explaining how your condition limits your ability to work.

What helps most during reconsideration is evidence that explains how your condition causes limitations.

Examples:

• Recent treatment notes that document symptoms over time
• Imaging or test results that were missing before
• Evaluations from specialists like a cardiologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist
• Notes that document medication side effects like fatigue, dizziness, or brain fog
• Clear descriptions of symptom flares and recovery time

When you write statements about functional limitations, be brief and specific. It’s harder for reviewers to read a long story.

Examples:

• “I can stand about 10 minutes, then I need to sit.”
• “I miss appointments when symptoms spike, which happens weekly.”
• “I need reminders to finish tasks.”
• “I can’t grip small objects for long.”

Step 3: Fix Preventable Problems

Many denials happen because of gaps or conflicting information.

Common errors include:

• Key doctors or clinics missing from your provider list
• Missing treatment dates or test locations
• Work history details that don’t match across forms
• Not replying to SSA requests
• Missing a consultative exam (CE)

Dos and Don’ts That Help

Dos:

• List every provider and facility, even urgent care and hospital visits
• Match dates across forms as closely as you can
• Respond to requests by the due date on the letter
• Attend scheduled exams or call right away to reschedule
• Keep copies of what you send

Don'ts:

• List only your primary doctor
• Leave date ranges blank
• Wait to respond to requests when you feel better
• Miss exams without contacting the SSA/DDS
• Rely on your memory of what you’ve sent

Checklist: What to Submit with Your Reconsideration

Use this checklist to guide you. Remember that your claim may not require everything on the checklist.

Required forms:

• SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration
• SSA-3441, Disability Report – Appeal
• SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information

Medical evidence:

• Updated treatment notes since your denial
• Missing records from key providers
• New test results, imaging, hospital discharge summaries
• Specialist reports
• A current medication list and side effects

Work and function evidence:

• A short function summary – what you can’t do reliably
• Any changes in work since you applied like reduced hours or a job that ended
• A simple symptom log that shows frequency and duration of flares

Cover letter:

• A one-page summary of what changed and what you included (template below)

Proof of submission:

• Copy of everything you filed
• Receipt, confirmation page, tracking, or a stamped copy

How to Assemble Your Packet

If you are mailing or dropping off a paper packet, use this order:

1. Cover letter
2. SSA-561
3. SSA-3441
4. SSA-827
5. Evidence list (one page)
6. Medical records and supporting documents (grouped and labeled). Use simple labels like “Hospital visit 3/10/2025” or “Neurology notes 5/2025.”

Sample Reconsideration Cover Letter Template

What This Letter Should and Should Not Do

A one-page cover letter makes your packet easier to review.

It should:

• Identify the decision you are appealing
• State that you’re requesting reconsideration
• Summarize what changed since the denial
• List what you attached
• Include a short explanation for missing the deadline if you did

It should not:

• Attack the SSA or DDS
• Make medical claims you can’t support with records
• Be more than one page long
• Turn into a personal narrative

Template letter (fill-in-the-blank)

[Your name]
[Your address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone]
[Email, if used]

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Social Security Administration
Re: Request for Reconsideration
Name: [Your name]
SSN (last 4): [XXXX]
Claim number (if shown): [________]
Denial notice date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

To whom it concerns,

I am requesting reconsideration of the denial dated [MM/DD/YYYY].

Since my initial decision, the information in my file has changed in the following ways:

• Medical examples: Updated records from [date range], a new specialist evaluation from [provider], and updated details about my daily limits.
• Technical examples: Corrected information about [income/resources/work] and supporting documents showing [what changed].

I am including these documents with my request:

• SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration
• SSA-3441, Disability Report – Appeal
• SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information
• Medical records from [provider/facility] dated [date range]
• Test results from [facility] dated [date]
• Medication list and side effects notes dated [date]
• [Any other attachments]

If filing late explain:

I am filing after the deadline because [brief reason]. I am submitting this as soon as I am able.

Thank you for your review.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed name]

What Happens After You Submit

Who Reviews Reconsideration and What They May Request

For medical reconsiderations, DDS reviews your request and your original application, plus anything new you submit.

During reconsideration, DDS may request:

• Updated medical records
• Extra questionnaires about daily activities and symptoms
• Work history updates
• A consultative exam (CE) with one of their medical sources

When you get a request, follow the instructions on the letter and meet the due date listed. Keep copies of what you send. 

How Long Reconsideration Usually Takes

Reconsideration typically takes four to seven months. Processing time depends on how fast records arrive, whether an exam is scheduled, and the backlog of your local office.

While you wait, keep getting needed treatment and report any major changes like new diagnoses, new doctors, hospital stays, and address changes.

Odds of Approval at Reconsideration

Only about 10 to 15% of cases are approved at reconsideration. But approval rates at ALJ hearings are higher and you must do this step first.

If Denied Again, Next Step ALJ Hearing

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing with an ALJ. A hearing is more formal than reconsideration. It will include your testimony and questions from the judge and sometimes a vocational expert. If you have a disability representative, they may also ask questions.

What Advocate Changes the Second Time Around

Sixty days can fly by. Deadlines and paperwork can pile up while you’re unwell.

You don’t have to do this alone. Advocate can help.

Our case managers and clinical staff use smart tools and a streamlined process to keep your case organized and on track.

How We Reduce Your Workload and Keep Your Case on Track

At reconsideration, Advocate focuses on why you were denied and how to strengthen your case for the appeal.

We help you:

• Find missing records and evidence gaps
• Organize providers, dates, and treatment details
• Gather new or missing medical records
• Complete and submit reconsideration forms
• Track deadlines and submission steps
• Respond to SSA or DDS requests

Advocate representatives are disability specialists not attorneys. We represent you with no money down. You only pay if you win. Fees are capped by the SSA and paid from your backpay.

We don’t offer diagnosis or medical advice. We help you have the strongest case possible.

Get help with your appeal today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while appealing?

Some people work while appealing. The SSA looks at your work activity and earnings during disability decisions. If you work, keep clear records of your hours, job duties, and limitations.

Do I need a lawyer for reconsideration?

You can file reconsideration on your own. A qualified representative can also help with forms, evidence, and deadlines. Disability experts can improve your chances of being approved because they know what the SSA needs to see.

Can I add new conditions on appeal?

Yes. If you have new diagnoses or worsening symptoms, include them in your appeal disability report and support them with medical records.

What if I moved or changed doctors?

Report the change right away. Update your address and phone number or list new providers and dates of treatment so DDS can request records.

How do I check my reconsideration status?

You can check status online or by contacting the SSA.

What if Social Security schedules an exam?

Go to the exam. If you can’t attend, call the number on the appointment notice right away to reschedule. Keep a note of who you spoke with and the date.

What if my denial was non-medical?

A non-medical denial often involves work credits, income, resources, or missing paperwork. Focus on the technical issue in your denial letter and provide documents that correct the record.

Can I submit evidence after filing?

Yes. You can send paper or updated records after you file. In your cover letter, explain the paperwork that will be sent later. Use clear labels and keep copies of what you send.

Will I get Medicare or Medicaid if I’m approved?

Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 and older and people approved for SSDI. SSDI eligibility leads to Medicare coverage after required waiting times. Medicaid is state health insurance for people with limited income and resources. You may get Medicaid if you qualify for SSI.

What if I never got my denial letter?

The SSA presumes you received the notice within five days after the date on the letter. If you didn’t get a letter, contact the SSA. Then file your appeal with a short explanation.