What Lincoln Ltd Does and Why You Might Appeal
Lincoln Ltd is a third-party contractor that Social Security uses to review disability claims and appeals in certain states and regions. When Social Security sends your claim to Lincoln Ltd for review, Lincoln Ltd's doctors and staff examine your medical records, work history, and other evidence to decide whether you meet the disability standard. If Lincoln Ltd denies your claim or finds you no longer disabled, you have the right to appeal that decision.
Lincoln Ltd does not make the final decision on your case — Social Security does. But Lincoln Ltd's recommendation carries weight, and you need to know how to challenge it if you disagree. The appeal process depends on which stage your case is at: if this is your first denial, you appeal to Social Security's Reconsideration stage. If you have already been through Reconsideration, you move to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
The steps and timelines are the same whether Lincoln Ltd or Social Security's own reviewers made the decision. What changes is the evidence you submit and how you frame your argument — you are asking Social Security to look again at what Lincoln Ltd missed or misread.
Key Takeaways
- You have 60 days from the date on Lincoln Ltd's decision letter to file your appeal with Social Security, though you can request a 10-day extension if you need more time.
- At the Reconsideration stage, a different Social Security reviewer will look at your case and may order new medical evidence; at the hearing stage, an Administrative Law Judge will hear your case in person or by video.
- You should submit new medical records, updated work history, and a written statement explaining why you believe Lincoln Ltd's decision was wrong, focusing on specific medical findings you dispute.
- You can represent yourself at any stage, but many people hire a disability attorney or representative after the first denial, because the hearing stage is more formal and success rates are higher with representation.
- The entire appeal process from Reconsideration through a hearing decision typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on your local hearing office's backlog.
The 60-Day Window to File Your Appeal
The clock starts on the date printed on Lincoln Ltd's decision letter, not the date you receive it. You have exactly 60 days to file your appeal with Social Security. If you miss that important date, you lose your right to appeal unless you can show Social Security that you had a good reason for the delay — for example, you were hospitalized, your mail was lost, or you did not understand the letter.
If you are close to the 60-day limit and need more time, you can request a 10-day extension before the important date passes. Write to the Social Security office that sent the decision letter and explain why you need more time. Social Security will usually grant the extension, but do not count on it — file your appeal before day 60 if you can.
To file your appeal, contact your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213, or go to ssa.gov and use your my Social Security account. Tell them you want to appeal Lincoln Ltd's decision. Social Security will send you a form and instructions. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you sent it.
What Happens at the Reconsideration Stage
At Reconsideration, a different Social Security reviewer — not Lincoln Ltd — will examine your entire case from the beginning. This reviewer will look at the same medical records Lincoln Ltd saw, plus any new evidence you submit. The reviewer may order new medical tests or ask your doctor for more information. This stage usually takes 3 to 6 months.
You do not meet with anyone in person at Reconsideration. Everything is done on paper. The reviewer reads the file, makes a decision, and sends you a letter. If the reviewer agrees with Lincoln Ltd and denies your claim again, you can move to the next stage: a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Some people skip Reconsideration and go straight to a hearing request. You have the right to do this, but most people go through Reconsideration first because it gives you a second chance without waiting for a hearing, and it creates a record of what evidence Social Security has reviewed.
Gathering Evidence to Challenge Lincoln Ltd's Decision
The strongest appeal includes new or updated medical evidence that directly contradicts Lincoln Ltd's findings. If Lincoln Ltd said your condition is not severe enough to prevent work, get your doctor to write a statement explaining why it is. If Lincoln Ltd said your condition has improved, ask your doctor whether that is accurate and get it in writing. Medical records dated after Lincoln Ltd's decision are especially valuable because they show your current condition.
Collect any medical records you have: hospital discharge summaries, specialist reports, imaging results, lab work, mental health treatment notes, and medication lists. If your doctor has not seen you recently, schedule an appointment and ask the doctor to write a detailed report about your limitations. Bring a list of your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect your ability to work. The more specific you are, the more useful the report.
Also gather work history: dates you worked, job titles, what you did, and why you stopped working. If you have not worked in years, explain what happened — did your condition worsen, did you try to work and fail, did a doctor tell you to stop. Write down the names and phone numbers of people who can speak to your condition: doctors, therapists, family members, or former employers who saw you struggle.
Writing Your Appeal Letter and Statement
You do not have to write a formal appeal letter, but doing so helps. Address it to the Social Security office that sent the decision, reference the case number on your decision letter, and state clearly that you are appealing Lincoln Ltd's decision. Keep it short — one or two pages — and focus on the specific findings you disagree with.
For example, if Lincoln Ltd said you can do sedentary work but you have severe back pain that prevents sitting for more than 30 minutes, say that. Explain what you tried to do, what happened, and what your doctor says. Do not argue about the law or Social Security's rules — stick to your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. Attach copies of new medical records and your doctor's statement.
Send everything to the Social Security office by mail or in person. Keep copies for yourself. If you mail it, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of the date you sent it. Write the case number on the outside of the envelope.
Moving to a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If Reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal proceeding where you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a representative speak on your behalf. The ALJ is not a Social Security employee — they work for the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), which is part of Social Security but operates independently.
You have 60 days from the Reconsideration decision letter to request a hearing. The hearing usually takes place 4 to 12 months after you request it, depending on how busy your local hearing office is. You can attend in person, by video, or by phone. Many people hire a disability attorney or representative at this stage because the hearing is more formal, the ALJ asks detailed questions about your medical condition and work history, and success rates are significantly higher with representation.
Before the hearing, submit all your evidence — medical records, test results, statements from doctors, and a written statement about your condition and why you cannot work. The ALJ will review everything before the hearing and may ask your doctor questions in writing. At the hearing itself, you will testify, and the ALJ may call a vocational informed to testify about whether jobs exist that you can do given your limitations.
Representation and When to Hire a Disability Attorney
You can represent yourself at any stage of the appeal, but you do not have to. Many people hire a disability attorney or non-attorney representative after the first denial. Attorneys and representatives know the rules, understand what evidence matters, and know how to present your case to an ALJ. They also handle the paperwork and important date so you do not have to.
Attorneys and representatives are paid only if you win — they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000 by federal law). If you lose, you pay nothing. You can find a representative through the Social Security website at ssa.gov/representation, or ask your local legal aid office for a referral. Interview more than one before you decide.
At minimum, consider hiring someone for the hearing stage. The hearing is where most cases are won or lost, and an ALJ is more likely to believe a lawyer's argument than a person representing themselves. If money is tight, ask a legal aid office whether they can represent you for free or low cost.
Timeline and What to Expect at Each Stage
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Timeline | Your Next Step if Denied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Ltd Decision | Lincoln Ltd reviews your claim and sends you a decision letter | Already happened | File appeal within 60 days |
| Reconsideration | Different Social Security reviewer examines your case; may order new medical evidence | 3 to 6 months | Request hearing within 60 days |
| Hearing Request | You request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge | when ready (you file the request) | Wait for hearing date |
| Hearing | ALJ hears your case, reviews evidence, questions you and vocational informed | 4 to 12 months after request | ALJ issues decision within 30 to 90 days |
| ALJ Decision | ALJ approves or denies your claim | 30 to 90 days after hearing | If denied, appeal to Appeals Council (60 days) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal Lincoln Ltd's decision if I missed the 60-day important date?
You can try. Write to Social Security and explain why you missed the important date — illness, confusion about the letter, mail problems. Social Security will decide whether your reason was good enough. If they say no, you have lost your right to appeal that particular decision, but you may be able to file a new claim if your condition has changed.
What if I disagree with the Reconsideration decision too?
You can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You have 60 days from the Reconsideration decision letter. This is where most cases are won, especially if you have new medical evidence or a representative.
Do I have to go to the hearing in person?
No. You can appear by video or phone. In-person hearings are rare now. Tell Social Security how you want to appear when you request the hearing, and they will arrange it. Video is usually clearer than phone if you have the option.
What happens if the ALJ denies my claim at the hearing?
You can appeal to the Appeals Council, which is another part of Social Security. You have 60 days to request this appeal. The Appeals Council reviews the ALJ's decision to see whether the ALJ followed the rules correctly. If the Appeals Council denies you too, you can file a lawsuit in federal court, but this is rare and requires an attorney.
How much does a disability attorney cost?
Attorneys are paid only if you win, and they take 25 percent of your back pay, capped at $6,000 by federal law. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. Some legal aid offices represent people for free if your income is low.