The Social Security Administration calculates benefit amounts for beneficiaries, but beneficiaries can appeal these decisions through reconsideration.

If the request for reconsideration is denied, you can appeal to a judge or the SSA Appeals Council.

The final step in the appeals process is filing a civil action in the U.S. District Court.

So you've received your decision on how much you'll be paid by Social Security, but don't agree? You can appeal.

To be approved for Social Security benefits, such as retirement, disability, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income, beneficiaries must first apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Retirement benefits are generally calculated based on an applicant's age and average wages while working. Disability payments hinge on an applicant's average earnings and will last until their medical condition improves.

If you were denied benefits from any Social Security program or ended up with a lower benefit than you expected, there are several steps to take.

Social Security lifts more people out of poverty than any other U.S. program, about 23.5 million in 2024, nearly 17 million of them older adults. If an American doesn't receive the benefits they're due, they can appeal the decision.

You might appeal because a disability claim was denied, because a retirement benefit came in lower than expected, or because Social Security stopped payments or is demanding money back. Whatever the reason, you can challenge the decision.

The first step is to request a reconsideration from the Social Security Administration within 60 days of receiving the benefits decision.

You can do this online. Medical-related appeals can take 40 to 60 minutes, while non-medical-related appeals will take only 10 to 15 minutes. You'll need to gather your original decision from the SSA, your personal information, and supporting documents for your appeal (including documentation of any new or changing medical conditions).

Once you submit the request, a different SSA team member than the one who made the initial decision will review it.

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing with a judge.

You must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving the reconsideration decision. This can be done online or by mail.

Appellants later meet with an administrative law judge and must submit new evidence in support of their appeal no later than five business days before the scheduled hearing.

If you don't agree with the judge's decision, your next step is to request a review from the SSA Appeals Council.

The Appeals Council will deny the request if it agrees with the judge, or take the case—deciding it directly or returning it to a judge.

The last step, if you don't agree with any decision from the SSA, is to appeal in federal court.

Appellants should file in the nearest U.S. District Court and serve the complaint and summons on the local Social Security General Counsel.

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