1. Understand Your Denial Notice

When SSA denies your SSDI application, you will receive a written notice explaining:

• The specific medical or technical reasons for denial
• A summary of the evidence reviewed
• Instructions on how to appeal and your deadline

Carefully read your notice to understand what was missing or insufficient in your application. This will guide how you build a stronger case for your appeal.

2. File a Request for Reconsideration (First Appeal)

The first step in the appeals process is Reconsideration:

• You must file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
• In this stage, your claim is reviewed by a different disability examiner and medical team at Disability Determination Services (DDS), who will evaluate any new evidence you submit.
• You can file online at www.ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Tips for Reconsideration:

• Submit additional medical records, updated treatment notes, or doctor’s statements that explain your limitations clearly.
• Include any new diagnoses or worsening symptoms since your initial application.

On average, reconsideration decisions take 2 to 4 months in New Hampshire.

3. Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is denied, the next appeal step is requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ):

• File your hearing request within 60 days of your reconsideration denial.
• The ALJ hearing is your best chance to present your case in detail, provide testimony, and explain how your condition prevents you from working.
• You can appear in person, by video, or occasionally by phone.

Preparation for Hearing:

• Gather comprehensive medical evidence, including specialist reports and functional capacity evaluations.
• Obtain a detailed letter from your treating physician explaining your limitations.
• Consider representation from an experienced disability attorney to prepare your testimony, question vocational or medical experts, and advocate effectively before the judge.

Wait times for ALJ hearings in New Hampshire range from 9 to 14 months, depending on hearing office backlogs.

4. Appeals Council Review (If Needed)

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can:

• Request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council within 60 days.
• The Appeals Council reviews whether the ALJ made a legal or procedural error in your case.

This stage generally takes 6 months or longer and may result in:

• A denial
• A remand back to the ALJ for a new hearing
• A rare full approval

5. Federal Court Review (Final Appeal)

If the Appeals Council denies your request or upholds the ALJ’s denial, your final option is to:

• File a lawsuit in Federal District Court within 60 days.

This stage involves a formal legal process and is best handled with the assistance of an experienced disability attorney.