How to Appeal Government Benefit Programs’ Decisions

It can be quite frustrating to get a letter that says your benefit application has been denied. You filled out the forms, shared your personal details, and maybe even counted on the support, only to be told “no.” 

The good news is that a denial isn’t always the final word. The vast majority of government programs include an appeals process, which gives you the chance to explain your case, provide extra evidence, or correct mistakes.

Appeals can feel overwhelming because every program has its own rules and timelines. But the basic idea is the same: you can ask the agency to take another look. Understanding why applications get denied in the first place, and how to follow the right steps, can make all the difference. And since not all programs are equally common, we’ve ranked them in order of popularity, starting with the benefits most Americans interact with at some point in their lives.

To learn more about how to navigate the often-complex benefits landscape, sign up for BenefitKarma.

Why are benefits typically denied?

Benefit programs deny applications for many different reasons, but a few come up again and again.

1. Missing/Incorrect Information

If you leave out a document, report your income incorrectly, or your paperwork doesn’t match what an agency finds in its records, your application may be flagged. This doesn’t always mean you’re ineligible; it just means the agency didn’t have enough clear proof to approve you.

2. Strict Eligibility Rules

Many programs are based on income, age, disability status, or family size. If you’re just above an income limit, didn’t provide a doctor’s note for a disability, or don’t meet residency requirements, the agency may say you don’t qualify. Sometimes these rules change year to year, which can be confusing.

3. Missing Deadlines

Finally, deadlines are a big factor. Late applications, missed renewals, or appeals sent after the filing window can cause automatic denials. In most programs, you only have a short period (often 30 to 60 days) to act. Knowing the timeline is just as important as knowing the rules.

1. Social Security Retirement Appeals

Social Security retirement benefits can be reduced, delayed, or denied if there are errors in your work history, if you apply before you are eligible, or if the Social Security Administration doesn’t have complete records.

Steps to appeal:

1. Review your denial letter. It will explain if the issue is with your age, work credits, or paperwork.

2. File a “Request for Reconsideration” within 60 days. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

3. Provide supporting documents. Tax returns, W-2s, or proof of self-employment income can help correct gaps in your record.

4. If needed, request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI Appeals

Many SSDI and SSI claims are denied the first time — more than half, in fact. That’s because the Social Security Administration has very strict medical and work-history requirements, and many first applications don’t include enough medical evidence or clear documentation to prove disability.

Steps to appeal:

1. File an appeal within 60 days. Use the SSA’s online system or submit forms by mail.

2. Provide medical evidence. Doctor reports, hospital records, or test results.

3. Consider a representative. Disability attorneys or advocates often work on contingency.

4. Request a hearing. A judge will review your case in person or by video.

3. How to Appeal a Medicare Decision

Medicare may deny claims for services or supplies it says aren’t “medically necessary.”

Steps to appeal:

1. Review your Medicare Summary Notice. Look for the “Redetermination Request” section.

2. File within 120 days. Submit the appeal form or write a letter.

3. Include supporting records. Doctor’s notes, treatment plans, or test results that show why the service was needed.

4. Keep copies. Medicare appeals often move through multiple levels.

4. Appealing a Medicaid Decision

Medicaid denials usually relate to income, residency, or missing paperwork.

Steps to appeal:

1. Read your denial notice. It will explain your state’s deadline (often 30–90 days).

2. File a fair hearing request. This can be done through your state Medicaid office.

3. Gather documents. Proof of income, rent, bills, and medical records if the denial was health-related.

4. Attend your hearing. Some states allow phone hearings; others require in-person.

5. How to Appeal a VA Benefits Decision

VA disability and service-connected claims are frequently denied for lack of evidence or disagreements about severity.

Steps to appeal:

1. Check your VA decision letter. It explains what evidence was missing.

2. File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD). This is the official way to start an appeal.

3. Choose your review option. You can request a Higher-Level Review, submit new evidence, or appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

4. Provide medical and service records. Doctor reports, buddy statements, and military records strengthen your case.

6. How to Appeal a SNAP (Food Stamps) Decision

SNAP applications are often denied for income, household size, or missing documentation.

Steps to appeal:

1. Read your denial letter carefully. It will explain the reason and give you a deadline to request a fair hearing (usually 90 days).

2. Submit your hearing request. You can usually do this by mail, online, or at your local SNAP office.

3. Gather documents. Pay stubs, rent receipts, utility bills, and ID can prove household income and expenses.

4. Attend your hearing. You can present evidence, bring witnesses, or have a representative help you.

7. Section 8 Housing Appeals

Section 8 denials may happen if income is too high, background checks fail, or paperwork is missing.

Steps to appeal:

1. Check the denial letter. It will list the specific reason.

2. Request an informal hearing. This must be done quickly (often within 10-30 days).

3. Gather evidence. Income statements, letters of recommendation, or corrections to errors on your record.

4. Present your case. Bring everything in writing to the hearing officer.

8. Appealing a HUD Housing Assistance Decision

HUD programs, such as public housing and rental assistance, can be denied for income, family size, or past housing history.

Steps to appeal:

1. Review your denial notice for the stated reason.

2. File a written request for an informal hearing within the deadline (often 14–30 days).

3. Provide documents. Pay stubs, family information, and corrections to housing records are most common.

4. Attend the hearing and be prepared to explain your circumstances.

9. How to Appeal a WIC Decision

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides food assistance and health support. Denials often involve income requirements or residency issues.

Steps to appeal:

1. Request a fair hearing quickly. The timeframe is usually 30 days.

2. Provide income documents. Pay stubs, SNAP or Medicaid approval letters, or child support statements can help.

3. Bring proof of residency. Utility bills, rental agreements, or official mail with your address.

10. Appealing an Unemployment Benefits Decision

Unemployment claims are denied if states believe you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct.

Steps to appeal:

1. Request a hearing within the deadline. Usually 10-30 days.

2. Gather evidence. Pay stubs, termination letters, or witness statements.

3. Attend your hearing. Be ready to explain why you lost your job.

11. FAFSA (Student Aid) Appeals

FAFSA doesn’t exactly issue “denials,” but your application may say you’re ineligible for certain aid.

Steps to appeal:

1. Contact your school’s financial aid office. They handle appeals directly.

2. Submit a professional judgment request. This asks the school to reconsider based on special circumstances (job loss, medical bills, etc.).

3. Provide documentation. Tax returns, pay stubs, or medical records help show your situation has changed.

Other Common Programs with Appeal Rights

• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): File a state fair hearing.

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Appeal through your local welfare office.

• Energy assistance (LIHEAP): Request a hearing within your state deadline.

• School meal programs: Ask for a hearing with your school district if denied free or reduced-price meals.