Direct answer
What is the Appeals Council?
The Appeals Council is the SSA body that reviews requests to overturn or remand ALJ decisions on SSDI claims, and it is the fourth level of the SSA disability appeals process.
The Appeals Council can deny review, remand the case back to an ALJ, or in some cases issue its own decision.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What does the Appeals Council review?
Whether the ALJ decision contains an error of law, is not supported by substantial evidence, or involves a procedural issue or new material evidence.
How do I request review?
File Form HA-520 or request online within 60 days of the ALJ decision.
What are the possible outcomes?
Denial of review (ALJ decision stands), remand for a new hearing, or a decision by the Appeals Council itself.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Appeals Process (Appeals Council) (ssa.gov)
- SSA — Appeals Council (ssa.gov)