Social Security

Denied by Social Security? A guide to the appeal process

Disagree with the SSA’s decision on your Social Security claim? You have the right to appeal it. Here’s what you need to do and how the process works.

Greg Heilman

Update: May 21st, 2026 10:44 EDT

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues benefits to millions of American including disabled and retired workers, their families and survivors. It also manages the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

In order to receive any of these benefits, each of which has their own eligibility requirements, people must first file a claim. However, sometimes claimants do not agree with the decision of the SSA, in which case they have the right to appeal.

A guide to the Social Security appeal process

The first step is requesting an appeal, which must be in writing. Generally, you must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice on your claim. If you need longer, you will have to provide a good reason for the extension.

The SSA says that the fastest and easiest way to file an appeal is online. You can also visit your local office, send your request by mail or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or for TTY: 1-800-325-0778.

The SSA offers claimants who don’t agree with the decision on their claim four opportunities to appeal. There are as follows:

Request a reconsideration

This is the first part of the process. If you disagree with an SSA decision, you should ask them to reconsider it. Your claim will be reviewed by someone who did not take part in the first decision. They will examine all the evidence and any new evidence.

For more information about this part of the process, you can call the numbers above Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hearing before a judge

If after submitting a request for reconsideration you still do not agree with the resolution, you may request a hearing with an administrative law judge.

Review of the hearing decision

If you do not agree with the outcome of the hearing, you may request a review.

File a federal district court action

If after reviewing the judge’s decision you do not agree with what the Appeals Council decided, you can file a civil action in the United States District Court.

For more information, consult the Social Security Administration web portal.