Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can feel extremely discouraging. When you need Social Security Disability, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI), an approval can be essential for your future. This is why many people wonder: What are the steps to a Social Security Disability appeal process?
Denial doesn’t have to be the end of the process. Some people failed to get approval because they didn’t follow the proper procedures or didn’t make a strong enough case in accordance with the SSA’s guidelines. With the help of a Social Security Disability attorney, you can navigate the appeal process and increase your chance of approval.
How the Disability Appeal Process Works
The SSA created an appeal process because officials understand how complex the approval process is. Benefits are awarded only to those who meet strict criteria, and each Social Security Disability case is subject to a thorough review. The appeal process features the following steps:
- Reconsideration. This initial step must be filed within 60 days of receiving your initial denial. It results in another official, one who had nothing to do with your case before, reviewing your application again. You can also submit additional medical records to strengthen your appeal.
- Hearing before a judge. If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before a judge. This may allow you to explain your symptoms in more detail, take questions, have witnesses testify on your behalf, and present new evidence.
- Review by an Appeals Council. If the judge denies your appeal, you can use this stage of the process to contest their verdict. Common arguments here may include claims that the judge erred by overlooking or misinterpreting evidence.
- Federal court review. The final step if the Appeals Council denies your appeal is to file a legal claim in a U.S. District Court. For those in and around Sacramento, this usually means the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
This represents a formal civil action against the SSA and will be reviewed by a judge to determine whether the entire process complied with Social Security Disability laws. They will also determine whether decisions made throughout the process were supported by evidence.
While there’s a clear process for appealing denials, it can be complex for a person to navigate alone, especially given that they’re likely already dealing with health issues that impact their work. When you hire a Social Security Disability attorney, they can guide you on how to navigate each step and maximize your chance of success.
Why Could a Benefit Application Be Denied?
The SSA determines benefit eligibility based on whether someone has a condition expected to last more than a year or result in death. It must also be medically documented and stop the sufferer from working consistently. An application may be denied if the SSA determines:
- The condition will heal within a year
- Symptoms are not severe or consistent enough to limit work
- Medical reports are limited, unclear, or conflicting
It’s your job as an applicant to prove your need to the SSA. However, you don’t have to do so alone. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you present a strong case with solid evidence, professional statements, and appropriate action at each step of the appeal process.
Facts About Disability Applications and Appeals
While there were over 7.1 million disabled workers in payment status as of September 2025, these numbers change monthly. Even though hundreds of thousands of applications are filed yearly, only a fraction result in awards. This shows many claims are denied in the early stages, meaning it’s a normal and sometimes necessary part of securing benefits.
Those who continue to appeal may be glad they did, as benefits are not only useful to the person receiving them but also to their families. In 2024, 86,000 spouses and 1.1 million children under the age of 18 were receiving benefits. The average benefit for a single person that year was $1,571.70, while the benefit for a person with a spouse and one child was $2,936.17.
FAQs
Q: Could a New Medical Report Help in the Appeal Process?
A: Yes, a new medical report can help in the appeal process. In some cases, a medical professional’s clinical review is needed to accurately document a specific medical condition. Sacramento residents may find one of these medical professionals or be referred by a local medical facility such as UC Davis Health.
Q: Are All Aspects of the Appeal Process Necessary?
A: No, all aspects of the appeal process are not necessary in every Social Security Disability case. Some claims are approved during reconsideration, while others fail here but are later approved when the case is heard before a judge of the Appeals Council. With the help of a skilled lawyer, you can increase your chances of an award in earlier phases.
Q: How Long Does the Appeal Process Take?
A: The appeal process can vary in length, depending on what phase it is. Appealing for reconsideration or seeking a hearing by a judge can take a long time. If the appeal goes all the way to federal court, the process could take a year or longer due to the larger backlog of cases.
Q: What Happens When You Exhaust the Appeal Process?
A: If you exhaust all four levels of the appeal process and still do not get approved, it is possible to complete another application, known as a subsequent application. The SSA will still consider your old application, but you may have a better chance of success on a second attempt if your condition has worsened or you have a new diagnosis.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer
For anyone who has ever had their Social Security Disability application denied, it can feel like a hopeless situation. However, you’re not alone. Gade & Parekh, LLP brings a talented team of professionals who can assist you in multiple ways, including:
- Hearing your claim and understanding your health issues
- Helping you gather medical reports and other essential evidence
- Preparing professional legal statements on your behalf
Our dedicated staff has a strong reputation in the Sacramento area because we are passionate about helping disabled individuals who need benefits. We can support you through all aspects of the appeal process. Contact a Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyer today to get help with your appeal, and start with a free consultation.