Independent guide · not the SSA
SSDI · appeals
SSDI denied? How to appeal
A denial is not the end. You can ask SSA to look again, and then ask for a hearing with a judge. Each step has a deadline, usually 60 days from the date you receive the notice.
To ask for each appeal. Generally 60 days after you receive the notice. SSA assumes you got it 5 days after its date.
Of appeal. Reconsideration, a hearing with a judge, Appeals Council review, then federal court.
Median wait for a hearing. Across all hearing offices, August 2026.
The four levels
- ReconsiderationA full review by someone who did not take part in the first decision, with any new evidence.
- Hearing with an administrative law judgeIf reconsideration is denied. The local office sends the request to a hearing office, which mails a notice with the date.
- Appeals Council, then federal courtIf you disagree with the hearing decision, ask the Appeals Council within 60 days. The last step is a federal court.
Tips that protect your claim
- Appeal in writing before the deadline. If you miss it, you can ask for more time in writing and explain why.
- Send new medical records and the names of new doctors.
- Medical denials and non-medical denials (income, resources, overpayments, living arrangements) have separate online forms.
- A representative can help. Under a fee agreement the fee is capped at the lower of 25% of past-due benefits or $9,200.
How long hearings take near you
Each hearing office has its own wait. Open yours to see the address, phone and the offices it serves.
All 158 hearing officesFree tools
Questions people ask
How long do I have to appeal an SSDI denial?
Generally 60 days after you receive the notice. SSA assumes you received it 5 days after the date on it.
What if I miss the deadline?
Ask SSA in writing for more time and give the reasons. If SSA finds good cause, it extends the deadline.
How long is the wait for a hearing?
It depends on the office. In August 2026 the median was 8.0 months.
Independent guide · not the SSA. Green Tips 1 US is a private guide. We are not the Social Security Administration, we are not part of it, and we do not take applications.
Sources: 20 CFR 404.909 (reconsideration) and 404.968 (Appeals Council); SSA, Disability Benefits: Appeal a Decision (Web Archive copy of Nov 18, 2022, the latest available); SSA, Fee Agreements; SSA Office of Hearings Operations: hearing office locator file, average wait until hearing (Aug 2026), average processing time and ALJ dispositions (12 months through Jul 31, 2026). Official site, typed by hand: ssa.gov. Read in October 2026; data dates as noted.