How to File a Social Security Disability Denial Appeal

Social Security programs for disabled people include Social Security Disability Insurance, which provides monthly income to workers who become disabled and their family members; and Supplemental Security Income, which provides monthly payments to low-income disabled people. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to appeal if it denies your application. A successful appeal will require preparation and knowledge of the Social Security disability appeal process. The procedure contains four escalating levels but you must utilize them in order.

By Mail

• 1

  Download the appeal forms from the SSA website (see Resources). Include form SSA-561 Request for Reconsideration, form SSA-827 Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA and form SSA-3441 Appeal Disability Report. The Appeal Disability Report is not mandatory, but it will increase your chances of a successful appeal by giving detailed information on your medical history and needs. Fill out each document and mail the paperwork to the address on your notice of denial within 60 days of the denial date.

• 2

  Request a hearing by an administrative law judge if the SSA denies your reconsideration request. Download form HA-501 Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge, form HA-4631 Claimant's Recent Medical Treatment and form HA-4632 Claimant's Medications as well as forms SSA-827 and SSA-3441 which you will have to fill out and file again. Mail the completed documents to the address on the reconsideration request denial notice. The SSA will send you the date and location of the hearing, but you do not have to attend if the court does not specifically require it. Notify the court if you will not attend but are sending a representative such as a lawyer in your place. Make arrangements for a phone or video conference if you cannot attend the hearing but wish to speak on your own behalf by calling the SSA. The judge will notify you of a decision by mail.

• 3

  Ask for a review by the Appeals Council by downloading and filling out HA-520 Request for Review of Decision/Order of Administrative Law Judge within 60 days if the judge denies your appeal. Include any additional evidence that proves your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits and mail the paperwork to the address on your administrative hearing decision notification. The Appeals Council will mail you notification of its decision.

• 4

  File a suit in your local federal district court if the council declines to review your case or denies your appeal. Follow the instructions on the decline or denial notice to file the lawsuit and seek professional legal assistance.

Online

• 1

  Complete the Appeal Request by pressing "Start the Appeal." Read the information regarding the online appeal process and click "Continue." Verify your citizenship and receipt of denial notice by selecting the "Yes" bubbles next to the questions.

• 2

  Enter your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, date of denial and zip code. Read the instructions on the following pages about preparing the request form. Fill out the appeal request form on the last page completely because the online application does not allow you to save the document and pickup where you left off later. Verify your information and click "Submit".

• 3

  Click the link on the next page to fill out the optional Appeal Disability Report which allows you to give more detailed information on your medical condition. Verify the data you entered and click "Submit."

• 4

  Follow steps two through four of section one if the SSA denies your request.