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    SSDI Appeal Options Explorer

    Was my SSDI claim denied? See your appeal steps and deadlines in plain language.

    Free · No account needed · Private · About 3 minutes

    SSDI Appeal Options Explorer illustration

    How it works

    1. 1

      Tell us where you are

      Share your denial type, where your claim is now and your dates.

    2. 2

      See your appeal steps

      We show which appeal step may come next and its deadline.

    3. 3

      Plan your next move

      Get plain-language next steps and questions to ask.

    What you get

    • Which appeal step may apply to you
    • Your 60-day deadline, based on your dates
    • What happens at each step, in plain words
    • A summary you can save or print

    What this tool does

    • • Explains the four SSDI appeal steps
    • • Helps you track your appeal deadline
    • • Shows what each step may involve

    What this tool does not do

    • • Does not file an appeal for you
    • • Does not predict how your appeal will go
    • • Does not give legal advice

    What can I do if my SSDI claim was denied?

    If your SSDI claim was denied, you can appeal. You generally have 60 days from the date you get your denial letter. SSA assumes you got it 5 days after the date on the letter.

    There are four appeal steps. First is reconsideration, where a new reviewer looks at your file. Next is a hearing with an administrative law judge. After that comes the Appeals Council, and last is federal court.

    Many people who are denied at first keep going to a hearing. New medical records can help at each step. If you miss a deadline, you may need to start a new application instead.

    Common questions

    You have 60 days to appeal an SSDI denial in most cases. The clock starts when you get the letter, and SSA assumes that is 5 days after the date on it. If you had a good reason for missing the deadline, SSA may accept a late appeal, but do not count on it.

    The steps to appeal SSDI are reconsideration, a hearing with an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people start with reconsideration. Each step has its own 60-day deadline after the last decision.

    SSDI reconsideration is the first appeal step. A different reviewer who was not part of the first decision looks at your whole file again, plus any new records you send. You can ask for it online at ssa.gov.

    At an SSDI hearing, an administrative law judge listens to your case and asks about your health and work. It may be in person, by phone or by video. Experts may also speak. You can bring new records and someone to help you.

    Whether you should appeal or file a new SSDI application depends on your dates and your case. Appealing keeps your original filing date, which may protect back pay. A new application may make sense if your deadline has passed or your condition changed.

    Yes, you can send new medical records during an SSDI appeal. New evidence can help at each step. For a hearing, send records at least 5 business days before the hearing date when you can.

    Yes, this SSDI appeal explorer is free, and you do not need an account. It takes about three minutes. It helps you understand your options and does not file anything with Social Security.

    Keep going

    Free checklist

    SSDI Evidence Checklist

    Free score

    SSDI Application Readiness Score

    Guide

    How to Read Your SSDI Denial Letter

    Guide

    Should I File a New SSDI Application or Appeal?

    Last reviewed September 25, 2026. For general information only, not legal or medical advice.

    Sources: SSA: The Appeals Process · SSA: Disability Benefits

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