# What is the Appeals Council?

The Appeals Council can deny review, remand the case back to an ALJ, or in some cases issue its own decision.

**Direct answer:** 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.

## 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.

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

## Related questions
- [How long does the Appeals Council take?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-does-the-appeals-council-take)
- [What happens in federal court for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-in-federal-court-for-ssdi)
- [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
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals

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