SSA says to request a hearing within 60 days after you receive the reconsideration decision. It generally assumes you received the notice 5 days after the date shown unless you can demonstrate later receipt.
Read the notice before calculating
The reconsideration notice identifies the next appeal level and tells you how and when to file. Use that notice as the controlling instruction. A different Social Security decision may have a different route even when the general appeal period is also 60 days.
Do not wait for every record
Submit the hearing request on time even if some medical records are not yet available. Identify missing evidence and continue gathering it. For a disability hearing, SSA generally requires you to submit or inform it about written evidence no later than 5 business days before the scheduled hearing, subject to limited exceptions.
If the request may be late
Submit it promptly and include a written explanation asking SSA to extend the deadline for good cause. Keep evidence that supports the explanation, such as proof of when the notice arrived or circumstances that prevented timely action. SSA decides whether the reason is sufficient; an extension is not automatic.
Keep proof of filing
Save the online confirmation, uploaded-file receipt, fax report, or mailing evidence, plus a complete copy of the request. Do not send a hearing request to SSA headquarters when your notice or official filing page directs you elsewhere.