Direct answer
How long does SSDI reconsideration take?
SSDI reconsideration is decided by the state Disability Determination Services and typically takes several months, though the exact processing time varies by state and workload — the SSA publishes current averages on its appeals and performance pages.
You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the initial denial; the file is reviewed by a different disability examiner and medical consultant than the ones who made the initial decision.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
Who decides reconsideration?
A different examiner and medical consultant at the state Disability Determination Services, not the SSA field office.
What can change the timeline?
New medical evidence, requests for consultative exams, and case complexity all affect how long reconsideration takes.
What if reconsideration is denied?
You have 60 days to request an ALJ hearing — the level where a large share of eventual approvals occurs.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — How to Appeal a Decision (ssa.gov)