Why Your SSDI Claim Was Denied in Los Angeles

Social Security denies most first-time SSDI claims. In Los Angeles, as everywhere, the reason usually falls into one of a few categories: your medical condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, your work history does not may have access to you for the program, or Social Security believes you can still work despite your condition.

The denial letter you received from Social Security should state which reason applies to you. Read it carefully—it tells you exactly what Social Security found and what you can challenge. If the letter is unclear or you cannot find it, you can request a copy from the Social Security office that handled your case or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI. It means Social Security disagreed with your first submission. You have the right to challenge that decision, and many people who appeal succeed where their initial claim did not.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal, and missing this important date closes your right to challenge that particular decision.
  • The first appeal step is called reconsideration, where a different Social Security examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you submit.
  • Los Angeles has multiple Social Security offices, but you do not need to visit one in person—you can file your appeal by mail, phone, or online through your Social Security account.
  • Gathering new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors between now and your appeal hearing significantly improves your chances of success.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, where you can present evidence and answer questions about your condition.

The 60-Day Window for Filing Your Appeal

Your denial letter has a date on it. You have exactly 60 days from that date to file an appeal. This important date is strict—Social Security will not extend it except in rare circumstances, and missing it means you lose your right to challenge that denial.

If you are unsure of the date on your letter, look for the phrase "Notice of Disallowance" or "Notice of Denial." The date you need is printed near the top. If you cannot locate your letter, contact the Social Security office that sent it or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to tell you the denial date.

Count 60 days forward from that date and mark your calendar. Do not wait until the last week. Filing early gives you time to gather documents and correct any mistakes before the important date passes.

How to File for Reconsideration

Reconsideration is the first appeal step. A different examiner at Social Security reviews your entire case from the beginning, including any new medical evidence you submit. You do not attend a hearing for reconsideration—it is a paper review.

You can file for reconsideration in three ways: online through your Social Security account at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mail to your local Social Security office. Online and phone are faster. If you file by mail, send your request to the Social Security office listed on your denial letter.

When you file, Social Security will ask you to state why you disagree with the denial. Be specific: if they said your condition does not meet their rules, explain why you believe it does. If they said you can still work, explain what prevents you from working. Keep your explanation brief—one or two paragraphs.

What New Medical Evidence to Gather

The single most important thing you can do during reconsideration is submit medical records that were not in your original claim. Social Security often denies claims because the medical evidence was incomplete or too old. New evidence—or evidence you did not know to include the first time—can change the outcome.

Contact your doctors and ask them to send Social Security recent test results, imaging reports, treatment notes, and any statements about how your condition limits your ability to work. If you have seen a new doctor since you filed, their records are especially valuable. Ask the doctor to describe specific limitations: not "patient has back pain" but "patient cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain" or "patient's tremor makes it impossible to hold objects steadily."

If you cannot afford to see a doctor for new records, ask your current doctors for copies of recent visits. Even notes from three or four months ago are better than nothing. If you have been hospitalized or treated in an emergency room since your denial, request those records when ready—they carry weight with Social Security.

Los Angeles Social Security Offices and How to Reach Them

Los Angeles County has multiple Social Security offices. You do not need to visit one in person to file your appeal, but knowing which office handled your case can help if you need to mail documents or ask questions.

The main Social Security office serving central Los Angeles is located downtown. However, the easiest way to reach Social Security is by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). You can also create or log into your account at ssa.gov and file your appeal online without calling or visiting an office.

If you do visit an office in person, bring your denial letter and any new medical records you have gathered. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You can also bring a representative—a lawyer, advocate, or family member—to help you explain your case.

What Happens During Reconsideration Review

After you file for reconsideration, Social Security sends your case to a different examiner. That examiner reads your original process, your medical records, and any new evidence you submitted. They do not meet with you or call you—the review is based entirely on documents.

Reconsideration typically takes two to four months. You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If reconsideration is approved, Social Security will begin paying your benefits and send you information about Medicare or Medicaid. If it is denied again, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Do not be discouraged if reconsideration is denied. Many people are denied twice before winning at the hearing stage, where you can speak directly to a judge and present your case in person.

Requesting a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. This is where your case improves significantly—at a hearing, you sit across from an administrative law judge, answer their questions about your condition, and present medical evidence. Judges see the person behind the paperwork, which makes a real difference.

You have 60 days from the date on your reconsideration denial letter to request a hearing. File the same way you filed for reconsideration: online, by phone, or by mail. Tell Social Security you want a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Hearings in Los Angeles are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), which has locations throughout the county. You can request an in-person hearing, a video hearing, or a phone hearing. In-person hearings are generally stronger because the judge can observe you, but video and phone hearings are also common and successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and explain why you missed the important date. Social Security can extend the important date in limited circumstances—for example, if you were seriously ill or did not receive the denial letter. You must request this extension within 10 days of discovering you missed the important date. If Social Security denies your extension request, you can file a new claim, though this restarts the process from the beginning.

Do I need a lawyer to appeal my SSDI denial?

No, you can appeal on your own. However, a lawyer or non-lawyer representative who specializes in SSDI can strengthen your case, especially at the hearing stage. If you win, the lawyer's fee is limited by law—typically 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win.

Can I work while my appeal is pending?

Yes. Working does not hurt your appeal. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may use that as evidence that you can work. Keep records of any work limitations—days you could not work due to your condition, modifications your employer made, or tasks you cannot perform. These details help your case at reconsideration or hearing.

How long does the entire appeal process take?

Reconsideration takes two to four months. If denied, a hearing typically takes another four to eight months to schedule. In total, expect one to two years from denial to a hearing decision. During this time, you can work and gather additional medical evidence. If you win at any stage, Social Security pays you back to your original process date.

What if my condition has gotten worse since I was denied?

Tell Social Security about this during your appeal. Submit new medical records showing the worsening. If your condition has changed significantly, you can also file a new claim in addition to appealing the old one, though this is usually not necessary—your appeal can include evidence of worsening.