Social Security has added a new online tool where disability claimants can file an appeal of an unfavorable decision they receive from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). All appeals of ALJ decisions are considered by the Appeals Council. Prior to this an appeal of an ALJ decision could only be filed by mail or fax. Below is Social Security’s announcement of the new process.
We are pleased to announce a new online process for filing a Request for Review of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing decision or dismissal (i520).
The new online i520 process accepts both medical (disability) and non-medical (non-disability) appeals of an ALJ hearing decision or dismissal.
There are many benefits to using the new i520.
- Requests for review at the Appeals Council can be filed online.
- The online appeals application is simple, convenient, and secure; it guides claimants and their appointed representatives through every step of the process, including uploading any necessary documentation.
- The HA-520 and documents are automatically routed to the correct branch in the Office of Appellate Operations, which improves the appeals process.
While the preferred method for filing a Request for Review is the new online i520 process, we will continue to accept requests by mail or fax. Please be sure not to submit multiple review requests by filing online and also by mail or fax, as it could delay processing. Additionally, please note that this new online process cannot be used to request an extension of time to file a civil action, Federal court review, or an ALJ decision in a case remanded by a Federal court.
The new online appeal should ensure that fewer appeals are not registered due to lost paperwork, so this is a step in the right direction. To checkout the new online Appeals Council process click here.
