Social Security Answers

Step 4: Appeals Council

The final SSA step is a review by the Appeals Council. File within 60 days of the ALJ decision if you believe there was a legal error or policy misapplication. This step can take months and is the last before federal court.

Appeal Types Covered

• Disability: Reviews ALJ errors in medical or vocational rulings.
• Medicare: Examines coverage or enrollment appeal mistakes.
• Non-Medical: Assesses overpayment or eligibility disputes.

What to Know

• The Council doesn’t typically accept new evidence unless exceptional (e.g., fraud).
• Possible outcomes: uphold, reverse, or remand to ALJ.
• If denied, file in federal district court within 60 days.

Example Scenarios

Resources