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Your SSA-789 Disability Cessation Appeal, Explained
Also called: Request for Reconsideration Disability Cessation
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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What this notice usually means
Form SSA-789 is the Request for Reconsideration used when Social Security decides your disability has ended, whether you get SSDI or SSI. Filing this form asks SSA to look at the cessation decision again. Two different clocks apply. You have 10 days after getting the notice to also ask that your checks keep coming while SSA reviews your case. You have 60 days after getting the notice to file the reconsideration itself. SSA counts a notice as received 5 days after its date unless you show it arrived later. If you lose the appeal after choosing to keep getting checks, you may have to pay that money back, though you can ask SSA not to require repayment. SSA decides your case.
What to do now
- 1
Know the two deadlines
You have 10 days after getting your notice to also ask for payments to continue. You have 60 days after getting your notice to file the reconsideration itself. Missing the 10 day mark does not end your right to appeal within 60 days.
- 2
Decide if you want continued payments
Continuing your checks during the appeal is a choice, not automatic. If SSA later decides you are not entitled to benefits, you may have to repay what you got. You can ask for a waiver of that repayment.
- 3
File Form SSA-789 in writing
Complete Form SSA-789 or write to SSA asking for reconsideration. Check the benefit continuation box if you want payments to keep coming during the review.
- 4
Count your deadline from when you received the notice
SSA assumes you got the notice 5 days after the date printed on it, unless you can show it arrived later. Use this to figure your real 10 day and 60 day dates.
- 5
Get help if you are unsure
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or ask a local legal aid group for free help filling out the form.
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Two clocks run from when you receive the cessation notice, which SSA assumes is 5 days after the date on the letter. You have 10 days to also ask that your payments continue during the appeal. You have 60 days to file the reconsideration itself. These are separate deadlines. Missing the 10 day continuation request does not stop you from still filing within 60 days.
“You or your representative must ask in writing for a request for reconsideration within 60 days after the date you receive the written notice of the initial determination.”
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Sources
- Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) - Understanding SSI, Appeals ProcessRetrieved 2026-07-11
- SSA POMS DI 12026.021 (Completion of the SSA-789)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- 20 CFR 404.1597a, e-CFR (Cornell Legal Information Institute mirror)Retrieved 2026-07-11
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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