Step 1: Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied

Before you appeal, it’s important to understand why your SSDI claim was rejected. The denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will explain their reasoning, which may include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• The SSA believes your condition is not severe enough
• You’re earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
• Lack of work credits
• Failure to follow treatment or cooperate with SSA requests

Understanding the denial reason will help you focus your appeal on the right areas.

Step 2: File a Reconsideration Request

If your initial application is denied, the first appeal step is called Reconsideration. You must:

• File the request within 60 days of the denial date
• Submit any new or updated medical evidence
• Correct errors or provide additional documentation to support your claim

This is a paper review, so no hearing is involved at this stage. A different SSA reviewer will evaluate your case.

Step 3: Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is also denied (which is common), the next step is to request a hearing. This is often the best chance to get approved.

At this stage, you will:

• Appear before an Administrative Law Judge
• Present your case, including updated evidence and personal testimony
• Answer questions about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work
• Possibly hear testimony from a vocational or medical expert

The judge will take everything into account and issue a written decision. This process can take several months, but it’s often the most successful stage for many claimants.

Step 4: Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision. They will:

• Decide if the ALJ made a legal or procedural error
• Either approve your claim, send it back for another hearing, or deny the request for review

This step is more limited, but still worth pursuing if you believe the judge made a mistake.

Step 5: File a Lawsuit in Federal Court

If the Appeals Council also denies your claim or refuses to review it, your last option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court. This is a formal legal process, and you’ll want an attorney for this step.

Tips to Strengthen Your SSDI Appeal

• Act quickly: You have only 60 days to appeal each decision
• Gather additional evidence: Include new test results, doctor’s notes, or updated diagnoses
• Get a detailed statement from your doctor describing your work limitations
• Document everything: Keep copies of all correspondence and medical records
• Consider representation: A disability attorney can make a major difference, especially at the hearing stage