9 Ways to Appeal a Social Security Decision (And Actually Win)

Income from Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps people to meet their daily expenses. So, if the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers you less in benefits than you expected, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Fortunately, there are several ways to appeal an SSA decision and improve your chances of having the situation reconsidered, starting with the steps below.

Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your earnings record. If an employer incorrectly reported your earnings, the SSA could calculate a lower benefit than you expected.

If you believe your Social Security payment is too low, start by verifying that the earning records listed on your my Social Security account are accurate.

If you find any discrepancies, get in touch with the SSA over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If the SSA made a decision you don't agree with, whether regarding retirement benefits or other types of Social Security benefits, you can request a reconsideration online. You must make an online request within 60 days of receiving the notice of the SSA's decision.

There are separate online portals for requesting a reconsideration for a disability-related decision or a non-medical decision, such as your retirement or Social Security benefits.

If you aren't comfortable requesting a reconsideration online, you can submit one in writing.

To get started, print out Form SSA-561, which is SSA's Request for Reconsideration form. If you're specifically appealing a medical-related SSDI decision, you should also fill out Form SSA-827, which is the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration form.

Once you've filled out all relevant forms, mail them to your nearest Social Security office. You can look up the nearest office's address online or call the SSA directly to get help.

Ideally, requesting a reconsideration online will result in a positive outcome for you. But if the SSA once again makes a decision you don't agree with about your Social Security benefits, you still have options.

These start with requesting a hearing before an administrative judge. As with your first request for reconsideration, you need to request a hearing no later than 60 days after receiving the SSA's most recent decision about your case.

Depending on your situation, the hearing could take place over the phone, online, or in person. You'll be asked to submit evidence to support your position.

In the case of a disability hearing, you might also bring in medical experts or personal witnesses who can provide further evidence on your behalf.

If you're appealing an SSDI decision, you'll need to submit multiple relevant medical documents that thoroughly back up your position. This information includes:

• Contact details for any health care provider you visited regarding the relevant disability
• The times and dates of your visits
• Any treatments you received from each provider
• Which tests were performed

You'll also need to submit a list of your medications, including prescription and non-prescription medications, and detail what these medications are intended to treat and who prescribed them.

When you submit an appeal, include any new medical information, specifically new treatments, tests, and medical visits, that have come to light between your initial claim and your current appeal.

Whether you are submitting your first online request for reconsideration or are asking for a hearing in front of a judge, make sure to do so within 60 days of the SSA's most recent decision.

The SSA will communicate with you via mail, so pay careful attention to your mailbox if you're awaiting a decision. Check and double-check the date at the top of the SSA's communication to verify your appeal deadline.

Additionally, you can submit new evidence to back up your claim as long as you do so no later than five business days before your hearing.

If you don't agree with the judge's decision after your hearing, you can ask the SSA's appeals council to review your case. The fastest and easiest way to do this is to start a request online via the SSA's website.

Alternatively, you can print and fill out Form HA-520, the Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order. Fax or mail the finished form to your nearest Social Security office.

If the appeals council turns down your case or agrees with the judge's decision, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court.

While you can file your own appeals in an SSDI case, you might feel more confident working with a Social Security disability lawyer.

A professional who handles SSDI appeals for a living is best qualified to give you advice on how to build a strong case that can improve your chances of a successful reconsideration.

Whether you work with a disability lawyer or not, your best bet for a good outcome is to prepare for your hearing as thoroughly as possible.

Be prepared to talk at length about your medical conditions, disabilities, symptoms, treatments, quality of life, work history, and daily activities. Your statements need the backing of evidence from medical records and expert testimony from your doctors or caregivers.

Having your SSDI claim denied or receiving a smaller benefit than you expected can make it more difficult to achieve the stress-free retirement you planned.

While the appeals process will likely increase your stress for a time, preparing well and presenting a solid case should get you back on track so you can move confidently into the future.