Federal component within SSA
The Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) is part of SSA's Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight. Through the Appeals Council, it serves as the final administrative review level within SSA.
What OAO manages
- Appeals Council review of administrative law judge decisions and dismissals.
- Administrative appeals judges, appeals officers, and support staff who analyze requests and records.
- Possible denials, dismissals, decisions, and remands to an administrative law judge.
- Quality review, policy interpretation, and functions connected with cases appealed to federal court.
- Preparation of the certified administrative record in Social Security civil actions.
What OAO does not manage
- Initial applications for Social Security benefits.
- Initial or reconsideration disability determinations.
- Administrative law judge hearing operations, which are handled through the Office of Hearings Operations.
- Federal district court filing, court fees, or representation in an individual's lawsuit.
- Veterans benefits, private disability insurance, workers' compensation, or state disability programs.
How a case reaches OAO
A claimant or representative requests Appeals Council review after a hearing decision or dismissal when the notice identifies that step. The Appeals Council can also review certain cases on its own motion. OAO processes the record and supports the Council's action.
Official service channels
- SSA hearings and appeals website
- Secure Appeals Council request entry point
- Form HA-520 and current filing instructions
- Appeals Council process and contact information
Related WhatDoIFile resources
- Request Appeals Council review
- Review deadline
- Preparation checklist
- Office of Hearings Operations
- Social Security Administration