SSA Disability Appeals — Level 2 of 4
Appeals process overview / ALJ Hearing
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
Should an ALJ change the decision after reviewing the record and hearing from you?
A hearing is the first appeal level where you can speak directly with the decision-maker. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who was not involved in the earlier decisions reviews the evidence, asks questions, and may hear from medical or vocational experts.
What the hearing is like
A disability hearing is a private administrative proceeding, not a courtroom trial. It commonly lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, though complex cases may take longer. Depending on the notice and available options, you may attend in person or by an approved remote method such as online video.
The judge may ask about your medical conditions, treatment, daily activities, symptoms, education, and work history. Answer directly and honestly, with concrete examples. Explain what you can do, what causes difficulty, how often it happens, and whether you need help or breaks.
Vocational and medical experts
A vocational expert (VE) may testify about your past work and whether jobs exist for someone with limits the judge describes. Pay attention to the assumptions in the judge’s hypothetical questions; a change in one limitation can change the jobs the VE identifies. Discuss questions for the VE with your representative before the hearing.
A medical expert (ME) may explain medical evidence or whether an impairment meets or medically equals a listing. The judge—not the expert—makes the decision. You or your representative may have an opportunity to ask questions.
Request the hearing on time
You generally have 60 days after receiving the reconsideration decision to request a hearing. SSA presumes you received the notice five days after its printed date unless you show otherwise. Form HA-501 is one way to request a hearing; follow the notice for online and local-office options.
Send or identify evidence at least five business days ahead
For a disability hearing, you must submit written evidence or tell SSA about it no later than five business days before the hearing. Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, but do not rely on an exception. Request records early, check that they arrived, and tell the hearing office promptly if a provider is delayed.
Current waits and national outcomes
Waits vary by hearing office and change over time. In SSA’s September 2026 report, many offices showed average waits around 8–10 months from hearing request to a hearing held. The report covers cases closed during that month, so it is a snapshot—not a promise of how long your case will take. Check current office-specific figures before planning.
In FY 2025, 50% of ALJ hearing dispositions were allowances, 16% dismissals, and 33% denials. This was the highest allowance share among the administrative appeal levels in that year. National and judge-level statistics describe past cases and cannot predict the result of yours.
Prepare the record and understand vocational testimony
Request your medical records early and confirm the hearing office has them. Make a short timeline of treatment, symptoms, medication effects, and changes in daily activities. If the judge asks about a typical day, describe both what you can do and what happens afterward, including rest or recovery time.
Review the Medical-Vocational Grid Rules if your claim involves limits on the kinds of work you can perform. The grids consider factors such as exertional level, age, education, and work skills; they do not automatically decide every case. The five-step evaluation explains where the grids fit.
If the ALJ denies the claim
You can ask the Appeals Council to review the hearing decision. The deadline is generally 60 days after you receive the notice. Keep the ALJ decision and hearing exhibits; they are important if you continue to the next level.
Related SSA resources
Official sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Follow the instructions in your SSA notice and seek qualified help for questions about your specific deadline or case.