Did you or a family member receive a denial when you applied for Social Security disability insurance benefits? If so, you have the right to appeal your case with the Social Security Administration.
Review the process of making an appeal so you can meet SSA requirements and deadlines.
How to request SSDI appeal
You have 60 days after receiving a denial for benefits to ask for an appeal in writing. To do so, you must fill out Form SSA-561 and submit it either by mail or online. Your denial letter will provide the medical or nonmedical reason for the decision and offer further instructions.
Available levels of appeal
When you request an appeal, your application will enter the reconsideration phase. A new reviewer will consider your entire file, including your prior application along with newly submitted evidence.
If this reviewer denies your application, you can ask for a hearing. An administrative law judge will hear your case at a location within about 75 miles of where you live. You can provide new information about your case and bring witnesses to testify about your medical condition. In some cases, the judge may hold your hearing online.
If the judge denies your application, you can ask for further review by the SSA Appeals Council. However, the council can refuse to hear your case if the members agree with the decision of the administrative law judge. In this case, or if the Appeals Council denies your claim for benefits, you can file an appeal in federal district court.
Throughout this process, you have the right to attorney representation. You can also appoint a representative to help manage your case.
