SSDI Appeal Process: What You Need to Know

While applying for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) there may come a time in the process where you receive a denial. However, this doesn’t mean that this is the end of the road. There are several ways to appeal the decision and potentially get your benefits approved.

Medical Reconsideration

If you receive a denial due to insufficient medical evidence, you can request a medical reconsideration. This avenue of the SSDI appeal process involves an individual who completely reviews your entire claim once again, as well as taking into account any new medical evidence that has been submitted. The individual who reviews your claim is someone who had no input involving your original denial.

SSDI Hearing by Administrative Law Judge

Another way to go about an appeal is to request a hearing with an administrative law judge. The judge who reviews your case is someone who had no input in the original decision or reconsideration of your claim. Usually, the hearing will be within a 75-mile span of where you live.

Appeals Council Review

If you receive a denial from an administrative law judge you can submit a request for the appeals council to review the decision. The council will either make the decision or send it back to another judge to be looked at again.

Federal Court Claim Review

This is known as the last resort in the appeals process. If you do not like the decision made by the appeals council or if your request for review was denied, you can file a civil suit in federal court.

Need Help with an SSDI Appeal?

If you or someone you know has received a denial for SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and would like to pursue an appeal, contact our team at to speak with a member of our SSDI team. Please visit our website for more information.