# Reconsideration vs appeal — what's the difference?

People often use "appeal" to mean the ALJ hearing specifically because that is where most winnable claims are won.

**Direct answer:** Reconsideration is the first step of the SSDI appeals process, in which the state Disability Determination Services re-reviews the claim, followed by ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court — each with a 60-day filing deadline.

## The four appeal steps

Reconsideration → [ALJ hearing](/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing) → [Appeals Council](/answers/what-is-the-appeals-council) → federal court. Every step must be requested within 60 days of the prior denial notice.

## Why "appeal" often means the hearing

Reconsideration rarely reverses denials because the same state agency re-reviews largely the same file. The ALJ hearing is where updated evidence, treating-source opinions, and testimony can change the outcome.

## Sources
- SSA — The Appeals Process — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html
- SSA — Hearing Process — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_process.html

## Related questions
- [How do I appeal an SSDI denial?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-do-i-appeal-an-ssdi-denial)
- [How long does SSDI reconsideration take?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-does-ssdi-reconsideration-take)
- [What is the Appeals Council?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-appeals-council)
## Topics
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing

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