Appeals Council

Third Level of Appeal for Disability: Appeals Council & Remands

In most states, the Appeals Council is the third level of review.

Disability Appeals Council: Do I Still Have a Chance to Win?

If your disability appeal is denied again after a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), you have the option of filing an appeal with the Social Security Appeals Council.

Should I Appeal My Disability Denial to the Appeals Council?

If you are denied Social Security disability benefits at the administrative hearing, you should only appeal further in a few situations.

Can a Favorable ALJ Disability Decision Be Overturned by the Appeals Council?

Technically, yes, this can happen: a favorable ALJ decision can be overturned by the appeals council.

Can You Have a New Disability Case and an Appeals Council Case Simultaneously?

Claimants who get denied by an Administrative Law Judge at a disability hearing have the option of appealing this denial.

What Happens If You Get Denied by the Appeals Council?

If your social security disability or SSI disability claim is denied by the appeals council, you have three options.

Sample Notice of Appeals Council Action: Denial

If you've appealed your Social Security case to the appeals council, you're likely to receive an action letter stating that they will not review you case. Here's a sample notice.

How to Write a Brief or Letter to the Disability Appeals Council

You'll need to write a letter to the Appeals Council about why the judge's disability denial should be reversed. Here's how.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits

This book explains how to request an Appeals Council review (including examples of why the ALJ might have been wrong) and what will happen during the Appeals Council review.