Your Denial Letter Is Not the End of Your Claim

A denial from Social Security does not mean you cannot receive SSDI. Most people who are denied the first time do not give up—they request reconsideration, which is a formal review of your case by a different examiner at the same Social Security office. In Fort Lauderdale, you have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request this review. The clock starts the day Social Security mails the letter, not the day you receive it, so act quickly.

The reconsideration process is free and does not require a lawyer, though many people in Fort Lauderdale choose to hire one at this stage because the stakes are higher and the evidence you submit matters more than it did in your initial claim. You will submit new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors that were not in your first process—or you will explain why the evidence Social Security already has was misread or incomplete.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration, which is a free second review of your case.
  • Reconsideration requires you to submit new or clarified medical evidence that addresses the specific reason Social Security gave for the denial.
  • If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is where most people who eventually win their cases turn the decision around.
  • A lawyer or non-lawyer representative can help you gather evidence and prepare for a hearing, and they are paid only if you win.
  • In Broward County, the Social Security office that handles SSDI claims is located in Fort Lauderdale, and you can reach it by phone or visit in person to request reconsideration.

Understanding Why Social Security Denied Your Claim

Your denial letter includes a reason—usually one of three. The first is that your condition does not meet or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book, which is the official guide to disabilities that automatically may have access to for SSDI. The second is that Social Security believes you can still work, even with your condition. The third is that you did not provide enough medical evidence to prove your disability.

Read your denial letter carefully and identify which reason applies to you. This tells you what evidence to gather for reconsideration. If Social Security said your condition does not meet a listing, you will need your doctor to explain how your symptoms are as severe as the listing describes. If they said you can work, you will need medical records showing why work is not possible—for example, how often you need to rest, whether you can sit or stand for eight hours, or whether your medication causes side effects that prevent concentration.

If the denial was based on insufficient evidence, the solution is simpler: you gather the records that were missing. Request your complete medical file from every doctor, hospital, or clinic you have seen since your disability began. Social Security may not have received all of these records the first time.

How to Request Reconsideration in Fort Lauderdale

You can request reconsideration in three ways: by mail, in person at the Social Security office, or by phone. The fastest method is usually in person or by phone because you get confirmation when ready and can ask questions about what evidence to submit next.

The Fort Lauderdale Social Security office is located at 299 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can call them at 1-877-772-1213 (the national SSDI line) and ask to speak to someone about requesting reconsideration. Have your Social Security number and your denial letter in front of you when you call. If you prefer to visit in person, bring your denial letter and a photo ID. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though wait times can be long, so arriving early is wise.

If you request by mail, send a written request to the same office address. Write "Request for Reconsideration" at the top, include your name, Social Security number, and the date of your denial letter, and mail it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Include any new medical evidence with your request, or submit it separately within 10 days.

What Evidence to Gather for Reconsideration

The evidence that matters most at reconsideration is a detailed statement from your treating doctor. This is not a form—it is a letter from the physician who knows your condition best, explaining how your symptoms limit your ability to work. The letter should address the specific reason Social Security gave for the denial. If they said you can work, the doctor should explain why you cannot. If they said your condition does not meet a listing, the doctor should describe how your symptoms match the listing's requirements.

Gather recent medical records from all providers you have seen in the past year: test results, imaging reports, treatment notes, and medication lists. If you have been hospitalized or treated in an emergency room, request those records too. Social Security weighs recent evidence more heavily than old records, so prioritize anything from the last 12 months.

If you have a mental health condition, ask your therapist or psychiatrist for a detailed report on how the condition affects your concentration, memory, ability to follow instructions, or ability to interact with coworkers. If you have a physical condition, ask your doctor to describe how long you can sit, stand, or walk without pain or fatigue, and how often you need to rest or take medication during a workday.

The Reconsideration Timeline and What Happens Next

Reconsideration typically takes 3 to 6 months. Social Security will send you a letter with the decision. If you are approved, you will receive back pay to the date of your original claim, minus any work incentive deductions if you were working while your claim was pending. If you are denied again, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Most people who eventually win their SSDI cases do so at the hearing stage, not at reconsideration. This is because a judge can weigh your testimony directly and can question the medical evidence in detail. At a hearing, you will sit across from a judge and answer questions about your condition, your work history, and how your disability affects daily life. Your doctor may testify by phone or video, or you may submit a detailed written statement from them instead.

Hiring a Representative for Reconsideration and Beyond

You do not need a lawyer to request reconsideration, but many people in Fort Lauderdale hire one at this stage because the process becomes more formal and the evidence you submit is scrutinized more carefully. A lawyer or non-lawyer representative (called an accredited representative) can help you gather medical records, prepare a written statement for your doctor to sign, and organize your evidence in a way that directly addresses Social Security's reason for denial.

Lawyers and representatives are paid only if you win—either at reconsideration or at a later stage. The fee is 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 (this cap may change, so confirm the current amount). You do not pay anything upfront. To find a lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, contact the Broward County Bar Association or search the Social Security Administration's list of accredited representatives at ssa.gov.

If Reconsideration Is Also Denied: Requesting a Hearing

If Social Security denies reconsideration, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a separate court-like proceeding where you can present evidence and testify. The judge will review your entire case from the beginning and can overturn Social Security's decision if the evidence supports it.

Request a hearing by completing Form HA-501, which you can obtain from the Fort Lauderdale Social Security office or read from ssa.gov. Mail it to the office address or submit it in person. Include a copy of your reconsideration denial letter. The hearing usually takes place 4 to 8 months after you request it, though wait times vary. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location at least 20 days before the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from reconsideration or from SSDI itself. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may consider you able to work and deny your claim on that basis. Keep your earnings below this threshold if possible, or report them to Social Security so they understand your work capacity.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Many lawyers in Fort Lauderdale work on contingency, meaning they take no payment unless you win. If you cannot find a lawyer, contact the Disability Rights Florida organization or the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, both of which offer free or low-cost representation to people with disabilities.

Do I have to submit new evidence at reconsideration, or can I just ask them to look again?

You can request reconsideration without new evidence, but Social Security will likely reach the same conclusion. Reconsideration is most effective when you submit new medical records or a detailed letter from your doctor that addresses the specific reason for the denial. Without new evidence, approval is unlikely.

How long does reconsideration take in Florida?

Reconsideration typically takes 3 to 6 months in Florida, though some cases take longer if Social Security requests additional medical records from your providers. You can call the Fort Lauderdale office to ask about the status of your case after 90 days.

What if I miss the 60-day important date to request reconsideration?

If you miss the 60-day important date, you can still request reconsideration if you have "good cause"—a valid reason for the delay, such as illness, a death in the family, or not receiving the denial letter. You will need to explain the reason in writing. Contact the Fort Lauderdale Social Security office to ask whether your situation qualifies.