1. Filing a Reconsideration Request

In Florida, you must request reconsideration within 60 days from the date on your denial letter. You can submit your request online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. Missing the deadline will likely mean starting your claim over from scratch.

2. Fresh Review by a New Examiner

During reconsideration, your case is assigned to a different disability examiner who had no involvement in the original decision. This new examiner will review all your existing medical and work records and consider any additional evidence you submit.

3. Providing New Medical Evidence

One of the most important parts of the reconsideration stage is strengthening your file with updated medical records, new test results, or additional statements from your doctors. This helps address the reasons for your initial denial, which could be due to insufficient evidence or unclear documentation.

4. No In-Person Hearing Yet

Reconsideration is a paper-based review — there’s no judge or formal hearing at this stage. The examiner makes their decision solely based on the evidence in your file, so it’s critical that your medical documentation is complete, organized, and relevant.

5. Timeline for Reconsideration Decisions

In Florida, reconsideration decisions typically take about 2 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly you submit additional evidence. If your claim is approved, you’ll start receiving benefits, including potential back pay. If it’s denied again, you can move on to the next stage — requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

6. Common Reasons Reconsiderations Are Approved

Some reconsideration approvals happen because the claimant:

• Submitted updated medical evidence showing their condition worsened
• Provided clearer proof of meeting SSA’s definition of disability
• Corrected errors or misunderstandings from the initial application