How can I appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision regarding my SSDI application?
People who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance have the right to appeal any decision made by the SSA regarding their case. Here’s how to do it.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides various benefits, such as those for retired workers and survivors, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments.
SSDI benefits are intended for individuals who are disabled and have a qualifying work history, meaning they have paid Social Security taxes on their earnings.
In order to claim SSDI, a person with a disability must submit certain personal information, information about their medical condition, as well as information about their job.
SSDI benefits can be applied for online, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or at an SSA office.
When the state agency in charge makes a decision about your case, you will receive a letter in the mail with the decision. It usually takes three to six months to have an initial decision. If you don’t agree with it, you can file an appeal.
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How can I appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision regarding my SSDI application?
If you disagree with a resolution made by the Social Security Administration, you must follow a process to request an appeal.
According to the SSA website, a person has four opportunities to appeal a decision:
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. You must submit a request for reconsideration due to disability or unrelated to a medical condition within the first 60 days of receiving a resolution.
For more information about this part of the process, you can call 1-800-772-1213 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 dourt 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.