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After a judge denies your disability claim, you generally have 60 days from receiving the decision to ask the Appeals Council for review, often using Form HA-520. The Appeals Council can deny review, send the case back to a judge, or decide it directly. A written extension request is possible if you show good cause.
What happened
An administrative law judge held a hearing on your SSDI or SSI claim and decided against you. This decision differs from your first denial. It comes after a hearing where you or a representative could present evidence. The next step is asking the Appeals Council to review the judge's decision.
What usually applies
You generally have 60 days from the date you receive the hearing decision to file a written request for Appeals Council review, often on Form HA-520. You can submit new evidence along with your request. The Appeals Council may deny the request, send your case back to a judge for another look, or decide the case itself. If you miss the deadline, you can ask in writing for more time and explain why.
“Within 60 days after the date you receive notice of the hearing decision or dismissal”
“You may request Appeals Council review by filing a written request. You should submit any evidence you wish to have considered by the Appeals Council with your request for review”
“If you show that you had good cause for missing the deadline, the time period will be extended.”
What to do
- 1
Check the date on your hearing decision notice
The 60 day count starts when you receive the judge's written decision, not the date of the hearing itself.
- 2
File Form HA-520 or a written request
Your request should state clearly that you want Appeals Council review of the judge's decision.
- 3
Send any new evidence with your request
The Appeals Council looks at evidence you send with your request. Send it on time, along with your written request.
- 4
Ask for more time if the deadline passed
Explain your reason in writing. This can still get a late request reviewed.
Appeals Council review has real limits on what it can change, so getting the request right matters. Legal aid offices and disability advocates help people prepare these requests often. If your deadline is close, contact legal aid or your local 211 line without delay.
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Sources
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 20 CFR 404.968Retrieved 2026-07-13
Last reviewed 2026-07-16