There are several levels. After a denial you can ask for reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, then Appeals Council review, and finally federal court. Many applicants who are denied at first win at the hearing stage, so a first denial is far from the end.
The law: After a reconsideration decision, a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge must be filed within 60 days after you receive the notice — 20 CFR 404.933(b) (SSI: 20 CFR 416.1433(b)).
A Social Security disability denial is the start of a multi-level appeals process, not the end of the road — and the odds often improve as you go. The typical ladder is reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, then review by the Appeals Council, and ultimately a lawsuit in federal court. The hearing stage is where a meaningful share of previously denied claims are approved, especially when the medical evidence is well organized. Each level has its own strict deadline to appeal — usually a set number of days from the denial — so the most important thing is not to let a deadline lapse.
No. Most applicants are denied initially, and many win later — especially at the hearing stage. A denial starts the appeals process.
Reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and finally federal court — each with its own deadline.
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