Social Security has insisted it would be more understanding and less strict with deadlines to complete paperwork during the COVID-19 pandemic because Social Security offices mostly remain closed to the public, but it does not mean that Social Security claimants should procrastinate in completing appeals on denied disability claims. Some people rely on going to a Social Security office to complete an appeal, but with that option currently not available, claimants should be aware of their other options for filing appeals. Below are all the ways a claimant can appeal a decision. It is important to remember that Social Security only provides 60 days to appeal a decision.
How can I file an appeal if Social Security offices are closed for walk-in service?
Online at SSA.gov
The quickest and easiest way to file an appeal is online at our Appeal a Decision page. There are four levels of appeal:
- Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561-U2),
- Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (HA-501-U5), or
- Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order (HA-520-U5)
- Federal Court review.
The letter we sent you tells you the level of appeal that you need to file. Once you select the appropriate appeal, follow the online instructions to complete and submit it electronically.
Mail or Fax a completed form
You may also send us a completed appeal form for reconsideration, hearing by an administrative law judge, or review of hearing decision/order by fax or mail. You can download the appeal forms from our forms webpage, complete, print, and then mail or fax the form to your local Social Security office. You can find the local office fax number and address from the Social Security Office Locator page by entering your ZIP code. Follow the instructions on the Appeal a Decision page for the Federal Court review.
If you still have questions about sending us an appeal online, by mail, or fax, please call 1-800-772-1213 or call your local office. You can find the telephone number for your local office in the letter we sent you or by going to the Social Security Office Locator page and entering your zip code. We can answer your questions and send you the appropriate appeal request form to complete and send back to us.
