| If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | | | | has impaired your ability to work. (In some cases a |
| first-time application has been denied by the Social | | | | video hearing can be arranged.) Should the judge |
| Security Administration (SSA), you still have options to | | | | decline your case, you may request another review by |
| win the benefits you deserve. Get application help | | | | the Social Security Appeals Council. |
| from SSA or Social Security Disability advocacy | | | | The Appeals Council can either agree to review your |
| experts to guide you through the appeals process. | | | | case, or not. They may side with your hearing's judge. |
| When to Start the SSDI Appeals Process | | | | Or, they may feel that your case warrants another |
| You only have 60 days from the time you received | | | | review and will either make their own decision or |
| your letter of denial from SSA to appeal your SSDI | | | | assign a new ALJ to the case. If you still disagree with |
| claim. The sooner you get the appeals process started | | | | the outcome at this level, you have the option to file a |
| within that 60-day window, the sooner you may be | | | | lawsuit through a federal district court. |
| able to receive benefits. | | | | Get Insights from Experts on How to Apply for an |
| Learn How to Appeal for SSDI | | | | Appeal |
| The appeals process begins with a review of your | | | | Consider getting help on how to apply for an appeal |
| application by someone in SSA who was not part of | | | | from Social Security Disability Insurance Advocates or |
| the original decision. This reconsideration process | | | | Attorneys. They are savvy in building evidence that |
| includes assessing all the information included in the | | | | could boost success. Insights from experts can make |
| initial application, as well as any other information you | | | | a big difference in getting approved. |
| may wish to add to strengthen your case. If your | | | | If you would rather handle your own appeal, the SSA |
| application is again denied, the next step is to request a | | | | Web site provides a step-by-step guide that includes a |
| hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). | | | | two-part online application process; an Appeal Request |
| A hearing with an ALJ could be your best opportunity | | | | Form and an Appeal Disability Report. If you prefer not |
| to win because you can present your case in person | | | | to apply online, you can contact your local Social |
| to someone who has had no prior knowledge of your | | | | Security office and ask that a representative help you |
| case. You can also bring other people, as witnesses, | | | | appeal your case, or call SSA at 800-772-1213. If you |
| to the hearing to testify on how your medical condition | | | | have a hearing disability, call 800-325-0778. |