Use this process only when the Social Security Administration (SSA) notice says that Appeals Council review is the next step. Form HA-520 says not to use it to object to a recommended decision.
1. Confirm that Appeals Council review is the correct level
The Appeals Council generally reviews a decision or dismissal issued by an administrative law judge. It is the final administrative review level within SSA. Read the complete notice to identify the claimant, issues, date of the judge's action, deadline, and filing instructions.
2. File the request on time
SSA says to file within 60 days after you receive the hearing decision or order. SSA generally assumes that you received it 5 days after the date shown on the notice unless you show that it arrived later. If the request may be late, file promptly, explain the delay in writing, and ask the Appeals Council to extend the time for good cause.
3. Choose an official filing channel
SSA identifies its secure online Appeals Council request as the preferred method. You may also use Form HA-520, submit a written request, fax the request, contact a local Social Security office or hearing office, or follow another channel stated in the notice. Do not send sensitive claim information to WhatDoIFile.
4. Use the current form and instructions
The official English Form HA-520 currently displays edition 06-2026 and says to discontinue prior editions. SSA also links a Spanish HA-520-SP from the same official form page. Check the form page immediately before filing because editions, addresses, fax numbers, and online options can change.
5. Explain why you request review
Identify the part of the judge's decision or dismissal you disagree with and explain the claimed error as clearly as possible. The Appeals Council is not a new hearing automatically. It examines whether the request meets the standards for review and may act on the existing record.
6. Submit evidence or request more time
If you have additional evidence that relates to the period on or before the hearing decision, inform the Appeals Council about it or submit it with the request. If you need time to submit evidence or legal argument, request an extension in writing when you file. If no evidence or argument is submitted within any granted extension, the Council may act on the evidence already in the file.
7. Keep proof of filing
Save the online confirmation, fax transmission report, mailing evidence, or office receipt and a complete copy of the request. The official HA-520 page currently lists the Office of Appellate Operations address in Baltimore and a fax number, but use the destination shown on the current notice or form page.
8. Review the possible outcomes
The Appeals Council may deny the request for review, dismiss it, grant review and issue a decision, or return the case to an administrative law judge for further proceedings. A denial of review does not mean that the Council adopted every statement in the hearing decision; it means the Council did not grant review.
9. Read the next notice immediately
If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, the notice may explain the right to file a civil action in federal district court, generally within 60 days after receiving the Council's notice. Court filing rules and fees are separate from the SSA administrative appeal. Consider promptly consulting a qualified attorney or legal services organization about an individual court case.
Official sources
- SSA — request review of a hearing decision
- SSA — Form HA-520, instructions, channels, and deadline
- SSA — Appeals Council review process
- SSA — federal court review process