How to Appeal a Denied SSI or SSDI Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
- Purple
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
What to Do If Your Disability Benefits Are Denied
Introduction: Don’t Panic If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
If you applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and got a denial letter, you’re not alone.
👉 About 70% of initial disability claims are denied—but many applicants win on appeal.
The key is knowing how to appeal correctly and providing the right evidence to prove your disability.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Common reasons why SSI & SSDI claims get denied
✅ The 4 levels of appeal & how to file
✅ What evidence helps strengthen your case
✅ When to hire a disability lawyer
✅ How to check your appeal status & track payments
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Was Your SSI or SSDI Claim Denied?
The first step in appealing is understanding why SSA denied your claim.
Common Reasons for Denial:
❌ Not Enough Medical Evidence – Your records don’t clearly prove you’re disabled.
❌ Earning Too Much Income – If you work and earn over the limit, SSA may deny your claim.
❌ Disability Not Expected to Last 12+ Months – Your condition must be long-term to qualify.
❌ Failure to Follow Treatment – SSA may deny claims if you don’t follow doctor’s orders.
❌ Previous Denial (No New Evidence) – If you reapply instead of appealing, SSA may automatically deny it.
💡 Tip: Always read your SSA denial letter carefully—it explains why your claim was denied and what to do next.
The 4 Levels of Appeal (Step-by-Step Process)
If your disability claim is denied, DO NOT start a new application—instead, file an appeal within 60 days.
Step 1: Request Reconsideration (First Appeal)
✅ What It Is: A full review of your application by a different SSA representative.
✅ Deadline: Must file within 60 days of your denial.
✅ How to Apply:
✔ Online at SSA.gov
✔ By calling 1-800-772-1213
✔ At your local SSA office
💡 Best Chance of Approval? Submit new medical records, doctor’s statements, or work limitations.
Step 2: Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
✅ What It Is: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a court-style hearing before a judge.
✅ Wait Time: 9-24 months, depending on case backlog.
✅ How It Works:
✔ You present your case in person or via video call.
✔ A judge reviews medical records, testimony & expert opinions.
✔ Your lawyer (if you have one) can argue on your behalf.
💡 Tip: Most successful appeals happen at this stage—having a lawyer helps.
Step 3: Request Review by the Appeals Council
✅ What It Is: If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the SSA Appeals Council to review the decision.
✅ Wait Time: 6-12 months.
✅ What They Do:
✔ Check for errors in your hearing.
✔ Decide to approve, deny, or send your case back to a judge.
💡 Tip: Most cases aren’t approved at this stage, but you must complete this step before taking your case to court.
Step 4: File a Federal Court Lawsuit (Final Appeal)
✅ What It Is: If all else fails, you can sue SSA in federal court.
✅ How It Works:
✔ A judge will review your case (no new evidence is allowed).
✔ The court can approve benefits, deny them, or order another hearing.
✅ Hiring a disability lawyer is strongly recommended at this stage.
💡 **Most people don’t reach this step—winning earlier in the process is more common.
What Evidence Helps Win an Appeal?
If your initial claim was denied due to lack of evidence, strengthen your appeal with:
✔ Updated Medical Records – Show recent doctor visits, tests, and treatment progress.
✔ Doctor’s Statements – A letter explaining how your condition prevents you from working.
✔ Work Limitations Report – A form detailing your physical & mental work restrictions.
✔ Medication & Side Effects List – Proving how treatment affects your ability to function.
✔ Daily Activity Journal – Logs of how your condition affects daily life (mobility, fatigue, pain levels).
💡 SSA trusts detailed medical records over personal statements—get doctor support!
Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?
Hiring a Social Security disability lawyer can increase your chances of winning an appeal.
When Should You Get a Lawyer?
✔ If your case is at the ALJ hearing stage or later.
✔ If you struggle to gather medical evidence.
✔ If you’ve been denied multiple times.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
✅ No upfront fees – Most lawyers work on contingency (they only get paid if you win).
✅ SSA limits lawyer fees to 25% of your backpay (max $7,200).
💡 Statistically, people with lawyers have a much higher approval rate—especially at the hearing level.
How to Check Your Appeal Status
You can track your SSI or SSDI appeal status:
📲 Online: SSA.gov → "Check Application or Appeal Status"
📞 By Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
🏢 In-Person: Visit your local SSA office
💡 Appeals can take months—checking your status regularly is important!
How Purple Helps Track Your Disability Payments
If you’re waiting for an appeal decision, it’s important to manage your finances carefully.
💜 Track Your Disability Payments – Get alerts when SSI & SSDI deposits arrive
💜 Monitor Appeal Status – Keep track of SSA updates in one place
💜 Plan Your Budget – Manage expenses while waiting for approval
💜 Track Other Benefits – SNAP (EBT), Medicaid, and rental assistance
💡 With Purple, you can manage your benefits stress-free while waiting for approval.
FAQs About Appealing an SSI or SSDI Denial
How Long Does an Appeal Take?
Reconsideration: 3-6 months
Hearing Before a Judge: 9-24 months
Appeals Council Review: 6-12 months
Federal Court Lawsuit: 12+ months
What Are My Chances of Winning an SSDI Appeal?
60-70% of initial claims are denied
40-50% of appeals at the hearing stage are approved
Hiring a lawyer improves your odds
Can I Reapply Instead of Appealing?
No! Reapplying often results in another denial—filing an appeal is the better option.
Conclusion: Don’t Give Up If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
✅ Most SSI & SSDI claims are denied at first—but many win on appeal!
✅ Appeal within 60 days and submit stronger medical evidence.
✅ Request a hearing before a judge if reconsideration is denied.
✅ Consider hiring a disability lawyer to improve your chances of winning.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Track Your Appeal Status & Manage Your Benefits!