| Was your initial claim for disability benefits denied? Do | | | | an in-person meeting with the judge. Many applicants |
| you need to submit an appeal? | | | | take legal counsel or other personal representatives |
| Follow these steps for appeal: | | | | with them to the hearing. Later, the judge will notify you |
| Reconsideration, the first step: | | | | in writing of the decision. |
| - You must file a Request for Reconsideration and an | | | | Appeals Council Review, the third step: |
| Appeal Disability Report within 60 days of receiving | | | | - If your request for benefits is denied by the |
| your denial. Act as soon as possible. Both forms are | | | | Administrative Law Judge, then complete a Request |
| on the internet to file electronically or you may | | | | for Review of Decision/Order of Administrative Law |
| complete paper versions and mail or deliver them to | | | | Judge. This form is on the internet but cannot be filed |
| your local SS office. | | | | electronically. Mail the form to your local SS office and |
| - Social Security sends your case for review to the | | | | someone there will review your medical records and |
| State Disability Determination Services office. You will | | | | notify you in writing of a decision. You cannot attend |
| receive a written notification of the new review results. | | | | this review. |
| Hearing, the second step: | | | | District Court, the fourth step: |
| - If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you | | | | - If you are denied once again, hire an attorney |
| should complete a form for a Request for Hearing by | | | | experienced in Social Security law. Your attorney will |
| an Administrative Law Judge and an Appeal Disability | | | | sue Social Security in District Court and a District Court |
| Report. Both forms are on the internet to file | | | | judge will review your case. You will receive a written |
| electronically, or, again, you may mail or deliver the | | | | notice of the judge's decision. If you suit fails, you may |
| paper forms to your local Social Security office. | | | | pursue it in a federal appeals court and even the US |
| - Social Security sends your request to the Office of | | | | Supreme Court. |
| Delivery Adjudication and Review. You may request | | | | |