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What will happen when I appeal?
When you request the appeal, we’ll ask you to tell us why
you think our decision is wrong. Usually, we’ll set up an
appointment for a hearing to review your case with you by
telephone. To set up the hearing appointment, we’ll ask
you for two preferred times for us to call. Then, we’ll send
you a hearing appointment notice that will give you the
time and date scheduled for your hearing.
If you choose not to participate in a telephone hearing,
we’ll decide your case by looking at the information we
have on le. We will also look at any new information you
give us, to be sure we make a proper decision. We call
this a hearing by case review.
Whether you request a hearing by telephone, or a hearing
by case review, we’ll send you another notice as soon as
we complete the necessary work on your claim.
Is there a timeframe for the appeal?
You have 60 days from the date you receive the notice
telling you about our decision to request an appeal. If you
don’t appeal within 60 days, you may lose your right to
appeal, and the decision we made becomes nal. If you
have a good reason for not appealing your case within the
time limits, we may give you more time. You can request
an extension by calling us at 1-800-772-1213.
Can I get help to request an appeal?
You may choose to have someone help you with your
appeal or represent you. Your representative may be
a lawyer or other qualied person familiar with you and
the Social Security program. We will work with your
representative just as we would work with you. They can
act for you in most Social Security matters.