Social Security Disability Reconsideration: What to Do

Reconsideration is generally the first appeal after an initial Social Security disability denial. It asks SSA to review the determination again. The best starting point is the denial notice: identify the issue, the date you received it, and the instructions for requesting review.

Protect the Appeal Deadline

You generally must request reconsideration in writing within 60 days after receiving the notice. SSA normally presumes receipt five days after the notice date unless you show that it arrived later. Keep the notice and any evidence of delayed delivery.

Use SSA’s reconsideration page^[1] to choose a disability or nonmedical request. Other submission options are explained there. If you are late, request an extension and explain why; SSA decides whether there is good cause. Do not assume that waiting for medical records extends the filing deadline.^[1][2][3][4]

Address the Reason for the Denial

A medical denial may involve the severity or duration of the impairment or the ability to perform work. A nonmedical denial may involve work credits, income, resources, or another eligibility rule. New medical records may help a medical issue but may not resolve an earnings-record or financial problem.

Explain what you believe is incorrect and provide information relevant to that issue. If a provider was omitted, records are missing, or a job description is incomplete, identify the specific gap. Keep your explanation factual and consistent with the records rather than relying on a general statement that the decision is unfair.^[5][6][1][7]

Update the Evidence and Stay Involved

Reconsideration includes review of the evidence used in the initial determination and new evidence submitted. The reviewer was not involved in making the initial determination.

Report new treatment, tests, hospital visits, medication changes, and changes in your ability to function. Include provider contacts and dates so the agency can request relevant records. Continue responding to forms and examination requests. Keep copies of submissions and confirmations, and follow up through the office handling the claim if you are unsure whether information was received.^[8][9][7]

Understand What Comes Next

SSA will send a reconsideration determination explaining the result and further appeal rights. If you disagree, the next step is generally a hearing before an administrative law judge, requested within the deadline stated in the notice. An Appeals Council review is a later stage, not another name for reconsideration.

If you are appealing a decision that benefits have ended because disability ceased, different procedures and shorter deadlines for requesting benefit continuation can apply. Read that notice immediately. You can appoint a qualified representative at any stage, but representation is optional and cannot promise approval.^[10][11][12]

Related guides: Understanding Disability Denials; Preparing for a Hearing.

Source-checked October 16, 2026. This educational guide is not legal advice. Disability Benefit Guide USA is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Only SSA can determine eligibility and payment amounts for its programs.

Official Sources and References

These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.

1. SSA Reconsideration Requests — SSA.gov
2. SSA Reconsideration Deadline — SSA.gov
3. SSA Notice Receipt Rule — SSA.gov
4. SSA Good Cause for a Late Appeal — SSA.gov
5. SSA Disability Eligibility — SSA.gov
6. SSA Supplemental Security Income Overview — SSA.gov
7. SSA Medical Evidence Requirements — SSA.gov
8. SSA Reconsideration Review Rule — SSA.gov
9. SSA Your Right to Question a Decision — SSA.gov
10. SSA Appeal Options — SSA.gov
11. SSA Appeal Rights — SSA.gov
12. SSA Your Right to Representation — SSA.gov