When the Social Security Administration denies your claim or stops your benefits, you have the right to challenge that decision through a formal process. The Appeals Council reviews cases that were denied at earlier stages, and federal court can hear cases after the Appeals Council makes a final decision. These are your options for disputing what Social Security has decided about your case.
The articles here explain how each stage of the appeals process works, what documents you need to submit, how long decisions typically take, and what happens if you move forward to court. You'll learn the differences between each level of appeal and what to expect when you file.