# What happens in federal court for SSDI?

The court reviews the SSA record for legal error and substantial evidence; it does not take new testimony or new evidence.

**Direct answer:** If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you can file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days of the Appeals Council notice — the fifth and final level of SSDI appeal.

## Who decides the case?
A federal district judge (or magistrate judge with consent), reviewing the administrative record.

## What can the court do?
Affirm the SSA decision, reverse it, or remand it back to the SSA for further proceedings.

## Do I need a lawyer for federal court?
Federal court practice involves formal briefing and procedural rules; most claimants use a representative admitted to the district court to file the case.

## Sources
- SSA — Federal Court Review — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/court_process.html
- SSA — After Appeals Council — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/appeals_process.html#h5

## Related questions
- [What is the Appeals Council?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-appeals-council)
- [How long does the Appeals Council take?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-does-the-appeals-council-take)
- [Do I need a lawyer for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-ssdi)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals
- SSDI Lawyer — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-ssdi

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