# Can new evidence be added after an SSDI hearing?

After a hearing, evidence generally must relate to the period at issue and be shown to be new, material, and (for Appeals Council review) to have a reasonable probability of changing the outcome.

**Direct answer:** New evidence can sometimes be added after an SSDI hearing, but the rules limit what the ALJ and Appeals Council will consider — the five-day rule requires most evidence to be submitted at least five business days before the hearing.

## What is the five-day rule?
20 CFR 404.935 requires claimants to inform or submit written evidence to the ALJ at least five business days before the hearing, subject to specific exceptions.

## Can I submit evidence after the hearing but before decision?
Yes, if the ALJ agrees to leave the record open or an exception applies — the ALJ decides admissibility.

## What about Appeals Council review?
New evidence must be new, material, relate to the period on or before the ALJ decision, and have a reasonable probability of changing the outcome.

## Sources
- SSA — Hearing Process — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_process.html
- SSA — Appeals Process (Appeals Council) — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/appeals_process.html

## Related questions
- [What happens at an SSDI hearing?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing)
- [What is the Appeals Council?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-appeals-council)
- [How do I appeal an SSDI denial?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-do-i-appeal-an-ssdi-denial)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals

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