What is the Social Security Administration's appeals process?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to people in Washington who have disabilities or medical conditions that have lasted or are expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. The SSA has an appeals process for people who have been denied disability benefits. The appeals process begins with a Request for Reconsideration. This request must be filed within 60 days of the date of the denial letter. After the request is filed, it is reviewed by a different disability examiner than the one who initially denied the claim. If the decision is still unfavorable, the claimant can file a Request for Hearing. This request must be filed within 60 days of the date of the letter denying the reconsideration. The hearing is held before an administrative law judge and allows the claimant the opportunity to testify and present arguments and evidence in support of the claim. The claimant may also present witnesses and other evidence. After the hearing, the judge will issue a written decision. If the decision is not favorable, the claimant has 60 days to file an appeal with the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council denies the appeal, the claimant may file a civil action in federal district court. The court reviews the appeal de novo, meaning the decision is made without any due regard to the decision of the administrative law judge or the Appeals Council.

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What is the Social Security Administration's appeals process?

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