# What happens after an SSDI denial?

The 60-day deadline is the single most important date on the denial letter.

**Direct answer:** After an SSDI denial, you have 60 days from the date on the notice to request the next appeal step — reconsideration first, then the ALJ hearing — and missing that window usually forces you to start a new claim and lose months of potential back pay.

## The 60-day rule

Every SSDI denial notice starts a 60-day clock. Reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court each have the same 60-day filing window from the prior denial.

## What to do immediately

Read the denial to identify the specific reason, request the appeal in writing (online at ssa.gov or with the paper form named in the notice), and start updating the medical record.

## What not to do

Do not wait, and do not file a fresh application while an appeal is possible — a new application generally starts your timeline over and can complicate back pay.

## Sources
- SSA — The Appeals Process — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html

## Related questions
- [How do I appeal an SSDI denial?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-do-i-appeal-an-ssdi-denial)
- [Why was my SSDI denied?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/why-was-my-ssdi-denied)
- [What is the 60-day SSDI appeal deadline?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-60-day-appeal-deadline)
## Topics
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals

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Disclaimer: SSDI Direct Answers is a private informational website. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. For official information visit ssa.gov.