Your SSDI denial in Encino triggers a specific timeline and set of options

When Social Security denies your SSDI claim in Encino, you have not lost the ability to pursue benefits. The denial letter itself contains the reason — usually that your condition does not meet the medical severity standard, or that your work history does not support the claim. You have 60 calendar days from the date on the denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner at the same Social Security office. If you miss that window, you lose the right to reconsider and must start over with a new process.

Encino residents work with the Social Security office that serves the 91316 and 91436 zip codes, located in the Tarzana Social Security office (which covers the San Fernando Valley). The office address and phone number appear on your denial letter. You can request reconsideration by mail, in person, or online through your my Social Security account if you have one set up.

Key Takeaways

  • You have exactly 60 calendar days from your denial letter's date to request reconsideration; after that, you must file a new process.
  • Reconsideration sends your case to a different examiner and is free, but the approval rate is low — roughly 10 to 15 percent nationally.
  • If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which has a higher approval rate and allows you to present evidence and testimony.
  • The Tarzana Social Security office serves Encino; you can reach them by phone or visit in person to file your request.
  • Gathering new medical evidence or work records between now and your hearing significantly improves your chances.

Understanding why Social Security denied your claim

The denial letter lists the specific reason or reasons. The most common are: your condition does not meet or equal a listed impairment in the Social Security Blue Book; you do not have enough recent medical treatment to show ongoing disability; your residual functional capacity (what you can still do physically and mentally) is higher than you claimed; or your work history does not support a finding that you cannot work.

Read the letter carefully and keep it. The examiner's reasoning tells you what evidence you need to gather for reconsideration. If the letter says your condition does not meet a Blue Book listing, you will need medical records showing how your symptoms match the listing's criteria. If it says you lack recent treatment, you need to schedule appointments and get current test results or doctor's notes. If it questions your functional capacity, you need a detailed statement from your treating physician describing what you cannot do.

Some denials rest on a misunderstanding of your medical records or work history. Reconsideration gives you a chance to clarify or correct that record. Others rest on a genuine disagreement about whether your condition is severe enough. In those cases, a hearing before a judge offers a better path forward.

The reconsideration process and what to expect

Reconsideration is a free, informal review. You submit the same form you used to explore — the SSA-16 — along with a cover letter stating that you are requesting reconsideration and the date of your denial. Include any new medical evidence, work records, or statements from doctors or employers that support your claim. Mail it to the Tarzana office, bring it in person, or file it through your my Social Security account.

Social Security will send you a receipt notice showing the date they received your request. Processing takes 60 to 90 days. During that time, a different examiner reviews your entire file — your medical records, work history, age, education, and the new evidence you submitted. They do not hold a hearing or contact you unless they need clarification on something in your file.

Reconsideration approvals are uncommon. Nationally, roughly 10 to 15 percent of reconsideration requests are approved. The low rate reflects the fact that most people who request reconsideration have not gathered substantially new evidence; they are straightforward asking Social Security to look again at the same records. If you want reconsideration to succeed, new medical evidence is critical.

Gathering medical evidence that strengthens your case

Between now and your reconsideration decision, schedule appointments with your treating doctors and ask them to document your symptoms, limitations, and how they affect your ability to work. Bring a list of specific questions: Can you work full-time? Can you sit for eight hours a day? Can you concentrate on a task for two hours? Can you follow written instructions? Can you interact with coworkers without conflict? Ask the doctor to write answers directly into your medical record or in a separate letter.

Request copies of all medical records from the past 12 months — imaging results, lab work, therapy notes, medication lists, and visit summaries. Social Security weighs recent, consistent treatment more heavily than old records. If you have not seen a doctor in several months, that gap weakens your claim, because Social Security assumes that if your condition were truly disabling, you would be seeking ongoing care.

If you cannot afford to see a doctor, ask the Tarzana Social Security office whether your area has a Ticket to Work program partner or a disability advocacy organization that offers free medical evaluations or can connect you with low-cost clinics. Some community health centers in the San Fernando Valley offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

When to move directly to a hearing request instead of reconsideration

You can skip reconsideration and go straight to requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is called Request for Hearing and uses form SSA-501. You still have 60 days from your denial letter to file it. The advantage is that a hearing has a higher approval rate — roughly 40 to 50 percent nationally — because you can present evidence, testify, and have a lawyer or representative question the evidence against you.

The disadvantage is that a hearing takes longer. Reconsideration takes 60 to 90 days; a hearing typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the judge's caseload. If you need income urgently, reconsideration is faster. If you have time to gather strong evidence and want the best chance of approval, a hearing is usually the better choice.

Some people request reconsideration first, and if it is denied, then request a hearing. This extends the total timeline but gives you two chances to build your case. Others file for hearing when ready, especially if they know they have weak medical evidence and need time to gather it. There is no wrong choice; it depends on your circumstances and how quickly you need a decision.

Working with a representative or lawyer

You can request reconsideration or a hearing on your own, but many people find that a lawyer or non-lawyer representative improves their chances. Representatives are paid only if you win — the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you became disabled), up to a maximum of $7,200. You pay nothing upfront.

To find a representative, contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or ask the Tarzana Social Security office for a list of local representatives. Many disability lawyers in the San Fernando Valley area offer free initial consultations. A representative can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case to the judge.

Timeline and next steps after reconsideration or hearing

If reconsideration is approved, Social Security will send you a notice of award. Your benefits begin the month after you are approved, and you will receive back pay for the months between your process date and your approval date. If reconsideration is denied, you will receive a new denial letter with instructions on how to request a hearing.

If you request a hearing, Social Security will schedule you with an ALJ in the Los Angeles area (the hearing office that serves Encino). You will receive a notice of hearing at least 20 days before the date. Prepare by gathering all your medical records, writing down your symptoms and limitations, and practicing your testimony. If you have a representative, they will help you prepare.

After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision, usually within 30 to 60 days. If approved, you receive back pay and your benefits begin. If denied, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court, but those processes are lengthy and require a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration or hearing is pending?

Yes. Working does not affect your reconsideration or hearing. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may view that as evidence that you can work and deny your claim. Keep your earnings below the limit if possible, or tell your doctor and representative about your work so they can explain why you cannot sustain it long-term.

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

You can file a new process, but you lose the original process date. Your back pay will be calculated from the new process date, not the old one. You can also ask Social Security for "good cause" to reopen your case if you have a reason for missing the important date — illness, homelessness, language barrier — but approval is not may provide.

Do I need a lawyer to request reconsideration or a hearing?

No, you can represent yourself. However, lawyers and representatives win cases at higher rates than people representing themselves, especially at the hearing stage. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about free legal aid organizations in Los Angeles County.

How much back pay will I receive if I win?

Back pay is calculated from the date you became disabled (usually the date you stopped working), minus a five-month waiting period. If you win at reconsideration or hearing, you receive all back pay owed from that date to the date of approval. The exact amount depends on your work history and the date you became disabled.

Can Social Security deny me again after I win at a hearing?

No. Once an ALJ approves your claim, Social Security cannot overturn that decision unless they find fraud or a material mistake of fact. Your benefits continue as long as you remain disabled and report any changes in your condition or work status to Social Security.