How long does a reconsideration take?
Asked by: Oma Reilly | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)
A Social Security Disability (SSD) reconsideration typically takes 3 to 9 months, but can range from a few months to over a year, depending on state workload, how fast your medical records are gathered, and case complexity. It's the first appeal stage after an initial denial, where a different examiner reviews your claim with any new evidence you provide, with processing times differing by state and agency efficiency.
How long does it take for a reconsideration decision?
A Social Security disability reconsideration decision typically takes 3 to 9 months, though it can vary; it's the first appeal stage after an initial denial, involving a new examiner reviewing your case and new evidence, with longer times often due to delays in obtaining updated medical records or high caseloads.
How long does it take to hear back from a mandatory reconsideration?
Some reconsiderations take two weeks, some take several months. If you have not received your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. See full definition , it is a good idea to call the DWP after: 2 weeks to check they have logged your Mandatory Reconsideration.
What's the success rate of reconsideration?
The initial appeal, or Reconsideration, has a low SSDI appeal approval rate, typically around 13-15%. Most claimants must proceed to the next stage. Your chances of winning a disability appeal improve significantly if you get a hearing before a judge.
How to win a reconsideration?
Table of Contents
- #1: File Your Appeal on Time.
- #2: Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied.
- #3 File the Proper Paperwork.
- #4: Submit Your Medical Records.
- #5: Write an Appeal Letter.
- #6: Hire a Lawyer.
How long does a reconsideration request take to process?
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
Do I need a lawyer for reconsideration?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request a reconsideration. However, a lawyer can increase your chances of winning three times at the hearing stage. Working with a lawyer is beneficial because the lawyer will assess your case, help you gather and submit documentation, and represent you at the hearing.
Is mandatory reconsideration worth it?
It's still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, as long as it's within 13 months of the decision. You'll need to explain your reasons for being late - for example if being ill or dealing with difficult personal circumstances meant you couldn't apply in time.
Can I submit new evidence for reconsideration?
At the same time, the Court of Appeals has recognized a trial court's discretion to consider new evidence presented by way of a motion for reconsideration.
What happens if reconsideration is approved?
If the claims examiners find that you should have been approved, that your denial was mistaken or inappropriate, you will be awarded your benefits. However, this is rare – only 12% to 15% of applications are approved at Reconsideration. Most likely, your application will be denied again.
How long does reconsideration take?
Reconsideration Request IRCC Timeline
Processing time for reconsideration requests: It can take a few weeks (4 to 6 weeks) or even 4 to 5 months, as immigration officers have discretion in reconsideration request IRCC processing time.
Why is reconsideration taking so long?
A lack of staffing and resources, claim issues, and delays in submitting medical records to the Social Security Administration (SSA) are common reasons why a disability reconsideration decision can take a long time.
What not to tell the attorney?
You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
What's the most a lawyer can take from a settlement?
A lawyer typically takes 33% to 40% of a personal injury settlement on a contingency basis, but this can increase to 40% or higher if the case goes to trial, with state laws, case complexity, and experience affecting the percentage. The percentage is outlined in the fee agreement, and sometimes costs like expert witnesses or medical records are deducted before or after the lawyer's fee is calculated, impacting the final take-home amount.
What makes a reconsideration letter effective?
Although you may want to write a longer letter that states all the reasons they should reconsider, you could have better success if you keep it brief. Use a professional tone: Keep a professional tone to help sell your argument and show you have objective and legitimate reasons for requesting your reconsideration.
Do DWP usually agree with PIP assessor?
In the vast majority of cases, The DWP PIP Case Manager (DM) will abide by the PIP Assessor's recommendations.
How many mandatory reconsiderations are successful?
At Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) stage, just 31% of claims changed in the claimant's favour. ⚖️ Tribunal outcomes: The national average success rate at tribunal in 2024-25 is around 65%. At Fightback, our success rate is consistently 88–90% at appeal.
What are common grounds for reconsideration?
Common grounds for reconsideration generally involve new evidence, clear legal or factual errors, or a significant change in the law, aiming to correct manifest injustice or prevent prejudice, rather than just disagreeing with the outcome. Key reasons include overlooked facts, misapplied law, newly discovered evidence unavailable earlier, fraud, or issues where findings don't support the decision.
How long does a reconsideration appeal take?
Social Security Reconsideration Timeline
SSA Review Period: Once you submit your form and supporting evidence, the Social Security Administration will reconsider your claim. This review can take anywhere between 3 to 5 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog of cases at the SSA.
What is the hardest disability to get approved for?
The hardest disabilities to get approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) are often subjective conditions like mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD), chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS), because they lack objective evidence and fluctuate, making it tough to prove continuous inability to work; also challenging are conditions with varied symptoms like Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or those with delayed symptom onset, requiring extensive, consistent documentation of functional limitations.
What is the stupidest court case?
We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.
What happens to 90% of court cases?
According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."
Which lawyer wins most cases?
There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins".