SSI Appeals Guide: Reconsideration, Hearings, and What to Do Next

If your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application was denied or your benefits were reduced or stopped, you are not alone. Many people go through the SSI appeals process before they are finally approved or before a decision is corrected.

This guide explains, in plain language, how SSI appeals usually work, including:

• Reconsideration
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings
• Further appeals and next steps
• What to gather, typical timelines, and where to turn through official channels

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government agency, not an application portal, and not an appeals office. To file or manage an appeal, you must use Social Security’s official offices, phone lines, or online services.

Understanding SSI and Why Decisions Get Appealed

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, generally for:

• People with limited income and resources
• Who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability
• In the United States, through the Social Security Administration (SSA)

People commonly appeal SSI decisions when:

• A new application is denied
• A current benefit amount is reduced
• SSI is stopped or suspended
• A person is found not disabled anymore
• There is a disagreement about resources, income, or living arrangements

An appeal does not start automatically. You must usually request an appeal in writing or online within the deadline shown on your official decision notice.

Your Right to Appeal an SSI Decision

When SSA makes a decision about your SSI, they send an official written notice. This notice typically explains:

• The decision (approved, denied, reduced, suspended, or ended)
• The reason(s)
• Your right to appeal
• The deadline to appeal (usually 60 days from the date you receive the notice, plus a small mailing time, but always check your specific letter)

If you disagree, you generally have four levels of appeal:

1. Reconsideration
2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
3. Appeals Council review
4. Federal court review

You usually must complete them in order, starting with reconsideration.

Missing a deadline can cause you to lose your appeal rights for that decision, unless you can show good cause for being late (for example, serious illness, not receiving the notice in time, or other valid reasons).

How to Start an SSI Appeal (General Steps)

While exact methods can change, people usually start an SSI appeal through one of these official options:

• Online: Through Social Security’s official website for disability appeals
• By phone: Calling Social Security’s national toll-free number or your local Social Security office
• In person: Visiting your local Social Security office (you can usually find the office using the official office locator)

You’ll typically need to:

1. Read your denial or change notice carefully
2. Act promptly (aim well before the deadline)
3. Request an appeal (reconsideration is usually the first step)
4. Provide updated information about your condition, income, and resources
5. Keep copies of all forms and letters you send or receive

If you’re unsure where to start, you can:

• Call the official Social Security phone line
• Contact local legal aid or a disability advocate
• Call 211 in many areas to ask about free or low-cost help with SSI issues

Level 1: SSI Reconsideration

What Is Reconsideration?

Reconsideration is the first level of appeal. Your case is reviewed again by someone at SSA who was not involved in the original decision.

Reconsideration can be requested for:

• An initial denial of SSI
• A change in your existing SSI benefits (like a reduction or ending of benefits)
• Certain overpayment decisions

What Usually Happens During Reconsideration

During reconsideration, SSA:

• Reviews your entire file again
• Considers any new evidence you submit
• May contact your doctors, hospitals, or other sources for additional information

For medical-related SSI denials, a new medical team generally reviews the medical evidence.

How to Request Reconsideration

To request reconsideration, people typically:

1. Use the official online appeals process or
2. Fill out SSA’s reconsideration forms and submit them:
   • By mail to the address given in your notice, or
   • At your local Social Security office

You’ll often need:

• Your SSI denial/change notice
• Your Social Security number
• Names and contact details for doctors, clinics, or hospitals
• A list of medications (if applicable)
• Information about income and resources (bank accounts, vehicles, property, etc.)

Always follow the instructions in your notice, as forms and requirements can change.

Deadlines for Reconsideration

• Typically, you must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your decision notice.
• SSA often assumes you received the notice 5 days after the date on the letter, unless you can show otherwise.
• Acting early gives you more time to gather evidence and correct any errors.

If you miss the deadline, you can sometimes still file if you show good cause, but this is not guaranteed.

Can You Keep Getting SSI During the Appeal?

In some situations (such as when your ongoing SSI is being reduced or stopped), you may be able to ask that your benefits continue while the appeal is pending. However:

• This usually must be requested quickly (often within 10 days of the notice—check your letter carefully).
• If SSA later upholds the decision against you, you may owe back some or all of the continued benefits.

If this applies to you, consider asking the official Social Security office or hotline for clarification on how benefit continuation works in your case.

Level 2: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is denied or you still disagree with the outcome, you can usually request an ALJ hearing.

What Is an ALJ Hearing?

An Administrative Law Judge hearing is a more formal review where:

• A neutral judge (who did not take part in your earlier decisions) reviews your case
• You can tell your story directly, explain your situation, and answer questions
• You can submit additional evidence and bring witnesses if you’d like

Hearings are often conducted:

• By phone
• By video
• In person at a hearing office (availability may vary by location and current SSA procedures)

Requesting an ALJ Hearing

If your reconsideration is denied, your notice will explain:

• Your right to request a hearing
• The deadline to do so (usually 60 days from when you receive the reconsideration decision)

To request a hearing, people generally:

• Use the official online appeals system or
• Submit the required hearing request forms by mail or at the local Social Security office

You can usually:

• Appoint a representative (such as a lawyer, legal advocate, or someone approved to assist you)
• Update SSA on new medical treatments, hospital visits, or changes in income/resources

What Happens Before the Hearing

Before the hearing:

• You may receive letters asking for more information or additional forms
• You’ll be notified of the hearing date, time, and method (phone, video, in person)
• You can request to reschedule in certain situations, but frequent changes may delay your case

It’s common for people to:

• Gather medical records, test results, and doctor letters
• Make a timeline of their health issues or disability
• Write down key points they want to explain, such as:
  • How their condition affects daily activities
  • Why they cannot work or earn above SSI limits
  • How income and resources are actually structured in their household

What Happens at the Hearing

At an ALJ hearing, you can generally expect:

• The judge introduces the case and explains the issues
• The judge or your representative may ask you questions about:
  • Your health or disability
  • Your daily activities
  • Your work history, if any
  • Your income and resources
• There may be expert witnesses, such as:
  • A medical expert, who reviews your medical records
  • A vocational expert, who discusses types of work and how your condition may affect it
• You or your representative can question witnesses and clarify information

You do not need to be a legal expert. The judge’s role is to look at all the evidence and make an independent decision.

After the Hearing

You do not typically get an answer the same day. Instead:

• The judge reviews all evidence and testimony
• A written decision is mailed to you
• The decision explains whether you are:
  • Approved for SSI
  • Denied again
  • Partially approved (for example, for a certain time period)

If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you can usually ask for an Appeals Council review.

Level 3: Appeals Council Review

If you disagree with the ALJ decision, you may request Appeals Council review.

What the Appeals Council Does

The Appeals Council looks at ALJ decisions to see if:

• The judge may have made a legal or procedural error
• There is a reason to:
  • Deny your request for review
  • Send the case back to the judge (remand) for another hearing
  • Or (less often) change the decision themselves

They do not usually hold a new hearing.

Requesting Appeals Council Review

If you wish to appeal to the Appeals Council:

• You generally must submit your request within 60 days of receiving the ALJ decision.
• You can often do this:
  • Through Social Security’s official online appeals system
  • By mailing the proper forms
  • Through your representative, if you have one

In your request, you may:

• Explain why you think the ALJ was wrong
• Point to specific parts of the decision you disagree with
• Provide new and material evidence (if it relates to the time period before the ALJ decision and meets SSA’s rules)

The Appeals Council may:

• Deny review (in which case, the ALJ decision stands)
• Send your case back to an ALJ for a new hearing
• In some cases, issue their own decision

If the Appeals Council denies your appeal or you disagree with their action, your next formal step would typically be federal court review.

Level 4: Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies your request or upholds the ALJ decision, you usually have the option to file a civil action in federal district court.

Key points:

• This is generally a lawsuit in federal court against the Commissioner of Social Security.
• There are strict deadlines and formal rules of procedure.
• Most people seek help from an attorney with experience in Social Security law for this level.

Federal court review focuses mainly on whether SSA:

• Followed the law and proper procedures
• Based its decision on substantial evidence

This level goes beyond the usual administrative process and into the court system.

At-a-Glance: SSI Appeal Levels, Deadlines, and What to Expect

*Deadlines can vary in special circumstances. Always follow the date and instructions on your actual notice.

What to Gather for an SSI Appeal

Being organized can make the process smoother. It can help to gather:

Identification and basic info:

• Social Security number
• Decision notices (denial, reduction, suspension)
• Current mailing address and reliable phone number

Medical information (for disability-related SSI decisions):

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for:
  • Doctors
  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Therapists or counselors
• Dates of visits, tests, and hospital stays
• Current medications and who prescribed them
• Any written statements from providers about:
  • Your diagnosis (if any)
  • How your condition affects your daily life and ability to work

Income and resource information (for all SSI decisions):

• Recent pay stubs, if you or someone in your household works
• Bank statements
• Information about vehicles, property, or other assets
• Details on support from family or friends (cash help, paying bills, etc.)

Keeping a folder or binder for all SSI documents can make it easier to respond when SSA asks for updates.

Common Reasons SSI Appeals Are Denied or Delayed

Understanding common problem areas may help you avoid them:

• Missed deadlines for requesting reconsideration or hearings
• Incomplete forms or missing signatures
• Not submitting requested documents (such as medical records or proof of income)
• Not updating contact information, resulting in missed letters or appointments
• Limited medical evidence showing how your condition affects your daily functioning
• Evidence that income or resources exceed SSI limits

If something is unclear, it’s often better to call the official Social Security number or visit your local office early, rather than waiting and risking a missed deadline.

Getting Help With an SSI Appeal

You do not have to handle an SSI appeal alone. Many people get help from:

• Legal aid organizations (often free or low-cost)
• Nonprofit disability advocacy groups
• Private attorneys who handle Social Security cases
• Social workers or case managers (for example, at community health centers)

Some representatives may only collect a fee if you win back benefits, and fees are often subject to SSA approval and limits. You should always:

• Ask how they charge
• Make sure they explain your rights and responsibilities
• Keep copies of any representation agreement you sign

You can ask your local Social Security office how to officially appoint a representative so they can speak with SSA about your case.

If you need help locating assistance, you can:

• Call 211 in many areas and ask about legal aid or disability appeal help
• Contact your local legal services office
• Ask community centers, hospitals, or clinics about referral options

If You Don’t Qualify for SSI After Appeals

Some people go through the appeals process and still do not receive SSI. Depending on your situation, you might explore:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (for people who have enough work history and paid into Social Security)
• State or local disability or cash assistance programs
• Medicaid, Medicare, or state health coverage options
• Housing assistance through local housing authorities
• SNAP (food assistance) through your state or county benefits agency
• Community-based resources such as:
  • Food banks
  • Utility assistance
  • Transportation support
  • Community health clinics

Check with:

• Your state or county human services department
• The official state benefits portal
• Local community action agencies

They can explain what’s available in your area and how to apply through the proper official channels.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official SSI Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because SSI involves personal information and money, it’s important to watch for scams.

Here are some safety tips:

• Never pay a fee to “unlock” your SSI benefits or “guarantee” approval
• Be cautious if someone:
  • Calls or messages you unexpectedly
  • Demands immediate payment or threats (arrest, deportation, etc.)
  • Asks for your full Social Security number or bank info out of the blue
• To verify you’re on an official channel:
  • Use the Social Security national phone number listed on official government materials
  • Visit a local Social Security office you find through an official government office locator
  • Use the official government benefits website (not a third-party site) to manage appeals and applications

If something feels off, you can hang up or close the page and then contact Social Security directly using contact information from a trusted source (such as a government letter you already have).

By understanding how SSI reconsideration, hearings, and next steps usually work, you can better decide how to move forward. Your actual appeal must always go through official Social Security channels, and you can seek support from legal aid, advocates, or community resources if you need help along the way.