Introduction to Filing a Social Security Disability Appeal

The Social Security disability appeal is a step you may need to take when you apply for benefits. Not everyone who applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is accepted into the program. If your application is not accepted, you will be issued an SSDI denial. However, just because you receive this determination does not mean you are unable to collect benefits.

If you are denied disability, you have the opportunity to submit an appeal. This means that you file a request that explains why you believe you deserve benefits. Generally, you do not need a Social Security disability appeal lawyer to help you file your request. However, you may choose to seek legal counsel if you believe it could help you. Regardless, there are certain steps you need to review as you prepare to submit your appeal.

What form do I use to file a Social Security disability appeal?

You must use the SSA-561 appeal form to submit your request for reconsideration. Officially, this document is called the Request for Reconsideration. You must use this form to file your request, regardless of if you were denied for medical or non-medical reasons.

How to File a SSDI Denial Appeal

There are two main ways you can file your Social Security disability appeal form. The first is from your computer. You can easily submit your Social Security disability appeal form online. To complete this process, you need to go to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website. However, before you file a Social Security disability appeal online, you need to provide information about your case. You are required to explain why you disagree with the SSA’s decision.

If you do not wish to submit your SSDI appeal online, you can file with a paper application. You can obtain a copy of the SSA-561 online, which you must then print out and provide the necessary information. Along with this document, you must also submit an Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration form (Form SSA-827). When you are finished completing these forms, you must mail or deliver them to your nearest Social Security office.

Regardless of the method you choose to use, remember that you only have a certain amount of time in which you can appeal an SSDI denial. Your exact deadline for filing your request is specific to your case. However, keep in mind that the government needs to receive your request within 60 days from when you received your determination notice.

The Social Security Disability Appeal Process

Once you appeal an SSDI decision, you enter the reconsideration phase of the process. This means that an office representative who did not assist in evaluating your initial application will review your claim. At this time, you can submit new evidence to help support your application. If your request is denied again, you can then progress to having an administrative law judge review your case.

If you are denied at this step, you can then begin the SSDI appeal council process. This directs your petition to the Appeals Council, where it will be reviewed. After this level, any subsequent appeals you have are directed to the federal court. If you have questions regarding your Social Security disability appeal status, contact your local SSA office.

How long does a SSDI reconsideration appeal take?

Your Social Security disability appeal time frame depends on various factors. The more times you appeal a decision, the longer it will take for your case to be resolved. In order to help eliminate any delays in your appeals process, it is important that you respond promptly to all official correspondence. The longer it takes you to submit your Social Security disability denial appeal form, the longer it takes for the government to issue your decision.