Denied by SSA? What Your Reconsideration Cover Letter Should Say

A Social Security denial is not always the final decision. If you believe your claim was denied in error or important information wasn’t fully considered, you have the right to request reconsideration.

Under federal law, many Social Security decisions can be appealed through the Social Security Administration reconsideration process. A well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain why you disagree with the decision, highlight any new information, and direct SSA to the evidence supporting your claim.

While reconsideration is available for various SSA determinations, this guide focuses specifically on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims. If you need to submit a Social Security reconsideration cover letter for one of these claims, this guide explains everything you need to know, including how to write and submit it effectively.

So, without any further ado, let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Social Security Reconsideration Cover Letter?

A Social Security reconsideration letter is a supporting document submitted alongside the reconsideration appeal form (SSA-561-U2) to explain to the Social Security Administration (SSA) why you disagree with the denial of your SSDI or SSI claim.

Unlike the appeal form itself, which is largely a formality that opens your case for reconsideration, the cover letter is where you actually make your case. In it, you:

• State that you’re requesting reconsideration and identify your claim
• Reference the specific reason SSA gave for the denial
• Explain, in your own words, why you believe that finding was incorrect or incomplete
• Point reviewers to the evidence — medical records, employment history, financial documentation, or anything else relevant — that supports your position
• Note any new developments since your original application, such as a worsened condition or updated income information

It’s written by the claimant, a legal representative, or an appointed representative, and is reviewed by SSA — a medical (disability) reconsideration goes to an examiner at your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, the agency responsible for evaluating disability claims on SSA’s behalf, while a non-medical reconsideration is reviewed by an SSA employee.

The letter is technically optional. SSA doesn’t require it to process your reconsideration request. But it serves a purpose the forms alone can’t: it lets you speak directly to the reviewer, in plain language, about what you believe was missed or misjudged the first time around. A denial notice states SSA’s decision; the cover letter is your chance to respond to it.

Beyond the cover letter, your full appeal packet may include other documents, depending on why your claim was denied:

• Medical denial: A disability report appeal (Form SSA-3441), an authorization to disclose information to SSA (Form SSA-827), and any supporting medical evidence.
• Non-medical (technical) denial: Form SSA-561-U2 along with documentation addressing the specific eligibility issue — such as employment, earnings, or financial records.

Deadline for submitting your reconsideration appeal

The request for reconsideration, along with the cover letter, should generally be submitted within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. The SSA mostly presumes that the recipient has received the notice 5 days after the date on the notice unless the recipient can show otherwise. In case you missed the deadline, your request might be dismissed unless you can prove good cause for filing late. For instance, a serious illness or other circumstances beyond your control.

Why Include a Cover Letter With Your Reconsideration Request?

A cover letter is attached to the Social Security reconsideration form to point reviewers to important evidence showcasing your circumstances. In case of a medical denial, you can add new test results, doctors’ statements, and reports, etc., to strengthen your claim or address any gaps and misunderstandings regarding income and eligibility in case of a non-medical denial. It’s important to pay great attention to the reason for denial while appealing, as SSA has a high rate of initial denial during reconsideration, but that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless.

With proper reasoning and a well-supported reconsideration application, you can increase the chances of Social Security acceptance. However, this cover letter can’t replace a legal brief or a medical report.

Why Is a Social Security Reconsideration Cover Letter Needed?

A Social Security reconsideration cover letter is needed because a denial notice alone doesn’t give you a way to respond; i.e., it states SSA’s decision, not your side of it. The cover letter is what lets you formally explain, in writing and alongside Form SSA-561-U2, why you disagree with that decision on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, whether the denial was based on medical or non-medical reasons.

Why do medical claims get denied?

If your claim was denied for medical reasons, the cover letter should address it and highlight any new or previously overlooked medical evidence. Most medical denials happen when:

• Reviewers don’t find your medical condition “severe enough,” which means it does not limit your ability to work.
• Your disability does not meet SSA’s duration requirement (at least 12 months or resulting in death).
• Your condition does not meet or medically equal one of SSA’s listed impairments.
• SSA determines that you can still perform your past work after assessing your residual functional capacity (RFC) (the maximum amount of work a person can do despite physical or mental limitations).
• Or if the available medical evidence is insufficient.

Why do non-medical claims get denied?

If your claim was denied for non-medical reasons, your cover letter should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and reference any supporting documents that resolve the issue. Common reasons are:

• You do not meet the work credit requirements for SSDI.
• Your income or resources exceed SSI eligibility limits.
• You did not provide requested non-medical information or documentation.
• You do not satisfy other program requirements, such as residency or citizenship requirements.

Next, let’s look at how to write an effective Social Security reconsideration cover letter.

How to Write a Social Security Reconsideration Cover Letter?

A cover letter to request reconsideration of your Social Security should clearly cover the purpose, reference to the denial, reason for disagreement with the decision, and supporting evidence.

Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how you can write your Social Security reconsideration cover letter.

Header and claim information

The start of the letter should reflect who it is for, so begin by adding the SSA office name and mailing address in the top right corner. Next, on the left side, include your name, complete address, and claim number. Following that, add a short “Re:” line stating “Social Security Disability Request for Reconsideration.” Proper identification ensures the letter is matched to the correct file.

End this part with a date and a simple salutation, “To whom it may concern.”

State the purpose

State your intention to request reconsideration of a denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim clearly in the opening paragraph. You should also mention the date of the denial notice and briefly identify whether you are requesting reconsideration of a medical or non-medical determination.

Reference the denial

Next, explicitly refer to the denial notice and the SSA findings. See whether the denial is on medical grounds or non-medical grounds. This keeps the cover letter within the SSA review criteria, and the focus stays on the main issue. This also creates a base for reconsideration and shows the reviewer that you understand the decision being appealed.

Explain why you disagree

In this section, state why you don’t agree with the SSA decision and why you want SSA to reconsider your case. Here, you need to address the denial reason and try to correct any misunderstandings and gaps with facts and supporting documents. Avoid writing from an argumentative or emotional perspective. The point is to highlight any factual inaccuracies and overlooked evidence, so keep the tone factual and respectful.

Discuss your medical condition or non-medical eligibility

In case of a medical denial, describe your condition, mention diagnosis, symptoms, functional limitations, etc. Next, explain how your condition is affecting your ability to work. If your condition has worsened or you have received new medical treatment since the denial, briefly mention those updates.

In case of a non-medical denial, explain why you believe the eligibility determination was incorrect. Depending on the reason for the denial, you can include your work history and insured status for SSDI, correct information about your income or resources for SSI, or address another administrative issue.

Mention supporting evidence

After explaining why you believe the determination was incorrect (either medical or non-medical), refer to the documents that support your position.

For a non-medical denial, mention and attach supporting documents such as employment records, wage statements, tax records, or updated financial information.

For a medical denial, refer to the medical records, functional capacity evaluation, physician opinions, or other evidence that supports your response.

Also, thank the person dealing with your appeal for going through your application and add a conclusive line stating that you believe your application will be reconsidered.

Professional closing

Lastly, end the letter with a proper salutation and your signature and name to formalize the submission and confirm responsibility for the content of the letter.

Sample Social Security Reconsideration Cover Letters

These sample letters illustrate four different Social Security reconsideration cover letters, covering both medical and non-medical denials under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can use them as a reference when drafting your own letter or adapt the content to reflect your individual circumstances and supporting documentation.

Sample for medical denial (SSDI and SSI)

Sample for non-medical denial (SSDI and SSI)

How to Submit Your Reconsideration Request?

The Social Security reconsideration request appeal packet can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. You can submit it online via the Social Security Administration online Appeal portal and also track your application. If you want to send a physical copy or drop it in person, you can do so at your local SSA field office.

It’s recommended to keep copies of the packet and proof of submission. It can help you create a paper trail of the whole process.

What Happens After You Submit?

After SSA receives and reviews your reconsideration appeal and supporting documentation, they can either approve, deny, or request additional information.

• If SSA approves the appeal, it means your previous denial has been reversed, and the claim now moves to benefit processing. SSA will calculate your benefit based on the program you qualify for. You will receive a written notice of reconsideration explaining the decision and any next steps.
• In some cases, SSA may request additional information before making a final decision. For example, it may ask for updated medical records, employment information, financial documents, or other evidence relevant to your claim. In medical disability cases, SSA may also schedule a consultative examination. This is a normal part of the reconsideration process and does not necessarily mean your appeal will be denied.
• In case SSA denies your request, you still have the right to continue the appeal process by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The denial notice will explain how to file the next appeal and the deadline for doing so.

Frequently Asked Questions