How to Appeal SSDI Denial

Imagine this: You’ve spent months gathering paperwork, anxiously waiting to hear if you’ll receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Finally, the letter arrives—denied. This is unfortunately common; in fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies over 70% of applications initially. But this doesn’t mean you should give up hope. Knowing how to appeal SSDI denial is crucial and could be your path to obtaining the financial support you need.

You might feel defeated and unsure, but remember: this is not the end. It’s just a bump in the road, and countless others have successfully navigated the appeals process. Let’s walk through the steps of how to appeal SSDI denial together.

What to Do After a Social Security Disability Denial

Receiving a denial letter for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can feel overwhelming, especially after months of waiting and paperwork. Unfortunately, this is extremely common. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies a majority of initial applications.

A denial does not mean you are not disabled. It means SSA believes your file did not meet their strict rules based on the evidence they reviewed.

If you were denied SSDI, you generally have 60 days to file an appeal. Understanding exactly how to appeal (including which forms to use and what to submit) can make a meaningful difference in your case.

Quick Answer: How to Appeal an SSDI Denial

If your SSDI claim was denied, you typically have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice to file an appeal. Most first appeals are filed as a Request for Reconsideration, either online through Social Security’s website or by submitting the appropriate SSA appeal forms. If you miss the deadline, you may need to submit a good cause letter explaining why.

TL;DR:

• You usually have 60 days to appeal

• First appeal = Request for Reconsideration

• You can file online or by paper form

• Late appeals may require a good cause explanation

Understanding the SSDI Appeals Process (4 Levels)

The SSDI appeals process has four possible stages. Many people are approved at later levels, even after one or more denials.

1. Request for Reconsideration

This is the first and most common type of SSDI appeal.

A Request for Reconsideration means your claim is reviewed again by a different team at your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). You can — and should — submit new medical evidence at this stage.

How to file:

• Online through SSA’s website (fastest)

• By submitting the appropriate SSA appeal forms

Important:

• You must file within 60 days

• This is often where updated medical records matter most

While approval rates at this stage are still relatively low, this step is required before you can request a hearing. It’s worth noting that about 10% to 15% of applicants see their denials overturned at this stage.

2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If reconsideration is denied, the next step is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) . ALJs are legal professionals who handle appeals for SSDI and Supplemental Security Income.

This is where many people have their best chance of approval. At a hearing:

• You can testify about your condition

• A judge reviews your full medical and work history

• Medical and vocational experts may be involved

Many unfavorable decisions are overturned at this level.

To request a hearing, you must file Form HA-501 (Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge).

These hearings tend to be more informal than a typical court setting and, thankfully, nearly half of all unfavorable decisions at the ALJ level are successfully overturned.

3. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the Appeals Council.

The Appeals Council does not hold a new hearing. Instead, they review whether:

• The judge made a legal or procedural error

• Important evidence was ignored or misapplied

To request review, you must submit:

• An online request, or

• Form HA-520

This step is also required before you can file in federal court.

4. Federal District Court Appeal

If the Appeals Council denies review or upholds the ALJ decision, you may file a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court.

At this stage, a federal judge reviews whether Social Security applied the law correctly. This is a formal legal process and typically requires experienced legal representation.

SSDI Appeal Forms You May Need

Depending on your stage, common Social Security appeal forms include:

• Request for Reconsideration (online or SSA forms)

• Form HA-501 — Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge

• Form HA-520 — Request for Review by Appeals Council

Filing online is usually faster and helps avoid delays.

How to Write a Disability Appeal Letter

If you are submitting a written explanation or responding late, keep it clear and focused.

Your appeal letter should include:

• Your full name and Social Security number

• The date of your denial

• A statement that you are appealing the decision

• Why you disagree with the denial

• Any new medical evidence or changes in your condition

What to focus on:

• How your condition limits your ability to work

• Updated diagnoses or treatment

• New test results or doctor opinions

Avoid long, emotional narratives. SSA reviewers are looking for medical and functional evidence, not just personal hardship.

What Is a Good Cause Letter?

If you miss the 60-day deadline, Social Security may still accept your appeal if you show good cause.

Examples of good cause may include:

• Hospitalization or serious illness

• Not receiving the denial notice

• Mental or physical impairments that prevented timely filing

• Incorrect or misleading information from SSA

A good cause letter should clearly explain why you could not file on time and include any supporting documentation.

How Long Does an SSDI Appeal Take?

SSDI appeals are not fast. Timelines vary by state and appeal level.

On average:

• Reconsideration can take several months

• Hearings often take many additional months

• Appeals Council and court cases can take even longer

During this time, continuing medical treatment and keeping records updated is critical.

Should You Use a Disability Lawyer for an Appeal?

Many people choose to work with a Social Security disability lawyer during the appeals process. An experienced attorney can help:

• Identify missing evidence

• Prepare you for hearings

• Submit proper forms and arguments

• Cross-examine vocational or medical experts

• Ensure deadlines are met

While not required, legal representation often improves the strength and organization of an appeal.

FAQs about how to appeal SSDI denial

Is it worth it to appeal a SSDI denial?

Yes. Many people who are ultimately approved are denied at least once. Appealing allows you to submit stronger evidence and move your case to levels where approval rates are higher.

What are the odds of winning a SSDI appeal?

Approval rates increase at later stages, especially at the ALJ hearing level. While no outcome is guaranteed, many successful claims are approved after an initial denial.

How to write an appeal letter to Social Security disability?

You can file most appeals through Social Security’s online appeals portal. Online filing is usually faster and provides confirmation of submission.

What are the 5 steps of the appeal process for Social Security disability?

The four stages are:

1. Request for Reconsideration

2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge

3. Appeals Council Review

4. Federal District Court Appeal

Conclusion

Being denied SSDI benefits is discouraging, but it is not the end of your case. Knowing how to appeal an SSDI denial — including which forms to use, how to meet deadlines, and how to strengthen your medical evidence — can significantly impact your chances of approval.

If you’re unsure how to proceed, speaking with a qualified Social Security disability attorney can help you protect your rights and move your case forward with confidence.

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