What is the Social Security Administration's appeals process?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) appeals process gives people the chance to challenge a decision made by the SSA. The process is designed to ensure that a person’s disability benefits are correct and that people receive their deserved benefits. The appeals process begins when the person files a Request for Reconsideration form with the SSA. Upon receipt, the SSA will review the person’s application and look for any mistakes made in the original decision. If the application is denied, the person can choose to appeal the decision. The person can file an appeal in the form of a Request for Hearing. The form must be completed and sent to the SSA within 60 days of the notice of denial. The hearing is usually held at the local Social Security Office. At the hearing, a judge will hear the reasons why the person disagrees with the original decision. The person can present witnesses, medical records and other evidence to support their claim. The judge will then render a decision based on the presented evidence. If the judge’s decision is unfavorable, the person can choose to appeal the decision to the Appeals Council by filing a Request for Review. A review by the Appeals Council could take up to six months or more. If the decision is still unfavorable, the person can file a lawsuit in the Federal or State District Court.

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What is the Social Security Administration's appeals process?

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