What You Can and Cannot Appeal Online

Social Security lets you file certain appeals through your online account at ssa.gov, but not all of them. You can file an appeal online only if you received a notice of decision from Social Security about your claim — usually a letter saying your claim was denied or your benefits were stopped. The online appeal works for reconsideration, which is the first level of appeal after an initial denial.

You cannot use the online system to appeal a decision made by a judge (called an Administrative Law Judge or ALJ). If you already had a hearing in front of a judge and received a decision, you must file that appeal on paper or through a lawyer. You also cannot appeal online if Social Security tells you that you do not have the right to appeal — for example, if you are past the important date to file.

Before you start, check the notice you received from Social Security. It will tell you whether you can appeal online and what your important date is. The important date is usually 60 days from the date on the notice, though Social Security can extend it if you have a good reason for missing it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file a reconsideration appeal online only if you have a Social Security account and received a denial notice that says you have the right to appeal.
  • The online appeal form takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and asks you to explain why you disagree with the decision.
  • Social Security will send you a receipt number by email when your appeal is submitted, and you can check the status of your appeal in your online account.
  • After you file online, a different Social Security worker will review your case, and you will receive a new decision letter in the mail within 5 to 7 weeks in most cases.
  • If you do not have an online account or cannot use the website, you can file the same appeal on paper using Form SSA-561-U2.

Creating or Accessing Your Social Security Account

You need a my Social Security account to file an appeal online. If you do not have one, you can create it at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove who you are — either a state ID, passport, or military ID. The identity verification usually takes a few minutes.

If you already have an account, log in and look for the notice of decision in your message center or under "My Documents." Social Security stores recent notices there, and you should see a link to file an appeal next to the notice. If you cannot find the notice online, you can still file an appeal using the paper form, which does not require an online account.

If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to help you set it up. They can also tell you whether your case is one that can be appealed online.

Filing Your Appeal Through the Online Form

Once you are logged in and can see your notice, click the link to file an appeal. Social Security will open a form called the "Request for Reconsideration." The form asks you to choose whether you want a new review of your case (called a "case review") or a new medical exam (called a "medical review"). In most cases, you should choose "case review" unless Social Security's decision was based on outdated medical information and you have new medical records to submit.

The form then asks you to explain why you disagree with the decision. This is your chance to tell Social Security what was wrong with their decision or what new information they should know. Write clearly and be specific — for example, instead of "I am disabled," write "I cannot work because my back pain prevents me from sitting or standing for more than 30 minutes, and my doctor says this will last at least 12 months." If you have new medical records, a new job loss, or other new facts, mention them here.

You can attach documents to your appeal through the online form. Click "Add Documents" and upload medical records, letters from your doctor, pay stubs, or anything else that supports your case. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. After you fill out the form and attach any documents, click "Submit." Social Security will send you a receipt number by email within a few minutes.

What Happens After You Submit Your Appeal

After you file, a different Social Security worker — not the one who made the first decision — will review your entire case from the beginning. They will look at all the evidence you submitted the first time, plus any new documents you attached to your appeal. They will also look at any new medical records Social Security has received since the first decision.

You can check the status of your appeal by logging into your account and looking at your message center. Social Security will send you updates there, and you can also see the status under "My Cases" or "My Appeals." Do not expect updates every week — the review usually takes 5 to 7 weeks, though it can take longer if Social Security needs to request medical records from your doctor.

If Social Security needs more information from you, they will send you a letter or a message in your online account asking you to send it within a certain number of days. If you do not respond, they will make a decision based on what they already have. If you receive a request for more information, respond as quickly as you can.

Understanding Your New Decision

When Social Security finishes reviewing your appeal, they will send you a new decision letter in the mail. The letter will say either that they have approved your claim or that they are denying it again. If they approve it, the letter will tell you when your benefits will start and how much you will receive. If they deny it again, the letter will explain their reason and tell you what your next step is.

If you disagree with the second decision, you have the right to file another appeal. The letter will tell you how to do this — usually by requesting a hearing in front of a judge. That hearing cannot be done online; you will have to file it on paper or through a lawyer. The important date to request a hearing is usually 60 days from the date on the decision letter.

Keep your decision letter and your receipt number from your online appeal. You will need both if you file a hearing request later. You can also read copies of all your appeal documents from your online account at any time.

When to Use the Paper Form Instead

If you do not have an online account, cannot access the website, or prefer to file on paper, you can use Form SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration). You can get this form by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or downloading it from ssa.gov. Fill out the form, explain why you disagree with the decision, attach any new documents, and mail it to the address on the form.

The paper form takes longer to process than the online form because Social Security has to scan it and enter the information into their system. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks longer than an online appeal. However, the review itself takes the same amount of time — about 5 to 7 weeks — and the result is the same.

If you mail the form, keep a copy for yourself and consider mailing it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof that Social Security received it. Write your Social Security number on the form and on the envelope. If you have questions about how to fill it out, call Social Security and ask them to walk you through it.

Getting Help With Your Appeal

If you want help filing your appeal, you can work with a lawyer or a non-lawyer representative who is approved by Social Security. These representatives are called "may have access to representatives" and they can file your appeal for you, explain your options, and represent you if you have a hearing later. You do not have to use a representative to file an appeal online, but some people find it helpful.

If you use a representative, they can file the appeal on your behalf through the online system if you give them access to your account, or they can file it on paper. Either way, Social Security will send all notices and decisions to both you and your representative. You can find a list of approved representatives at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a referral.

If you cannot afford a representative, you may be able to get help from a legal aid office in your area. Legal aid offices provide free or low-cost legal help to people who may have access to based on income. You can find your local legal aid office at lawhelp.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an appeal online if I missed the 60-day important date?

You cannot file through the online system if you are past the important date, but you can still file on paper and ask Social Security to extend the important date. You must have a good reason — for example, you did not receive the notice, you were seriously ill, or you misunderstood the important date. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation, or file the paper form with a letter explaining why you missed the important date.

What if I want to add more documents after I submit my appeal?

You can send additional documents to Social Security at any time while your appeal is being reviewed. Call the number on your decision letter to find out where to send them, or log into your account and send them through your message center. Make sure to include your Social Security number and your receipt number from your appeal on everything you send.

How long does it take to get a decision after I file online?

Most decisions come within 5 to 7 weeks, but it can take longer if Social Security needs to get medical records from your doctor or if they have a large number of appeals to review. You can check the status of your appeal in your online account. If it has been more than 8 weeks and you have not heard anything, call Social Security and ask for an update.

Do I have to explain my disagreement in detail, or can I just say I disagree?

The more detail you provide, the better. straightforward saying "I disagree" does not give the reviewer much to work with. Explain specifically what was wrong with the first decision — for example, "The decision said I can do light work, but my doctor says I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes" — and mention any new information or documents you are submitting.

What happens if Social Security approves my appeal?

If they approve it, your decision letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied initially, benefits usually start the month after Social Security approves your appeal. If your benefits were stopped, they usually restart the month after approval. The letter will also explain any back pay you are owed.