# What is the 60-day SSDI appeal deadline?

The 60-day rule applies at every appeal level: reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court.

**Direct answer:** The 60-day SSDI appeal deadline is the window the Social Security Administration gives to request the next appeal step after any denial — 60 days from the date on the notice, plus 5 days for mailing — and missing it usually means starting a new claim.

## Every step, every time

Reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court appeals all use the same 60-day window from the prior denial.

## Good cause exceptions

SSA may accept a late appeal if you can show good cause — serious illness, misinformation from SSA, or unavoidable circumstances. File the appeal immediately and explain the delay in writing.

## What to do the day the notice arrives

File the appeal online at ssa.gov or with the paper form named in the notice. Do not wait to gather evidence — you can update the record after filing.

## 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)
- [What happens after an SSDI denial?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-after-an-ssdi-denial)
- [Do SSDI denials expire?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/do-ssdi-denials-expire)
## 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.