Filing Online with iAppeals

About iAppeals

Completing and submitting SSA forms online helps the disability determination process move more smoothly and quickly and can do much to expedite an initial SOAR claim. We also recommend filing appeals online using iAppeals. iAppeals is a Social Security Online Service that allows authorized representatives and applicants to electronically file a reconsideration or ALJ hearing request for SSI and SSDI.

• iAppeals users have the option to submit (upload) forms and other evidence with their appeal requests.
• If you are unable to file the appeal documents online, we suggest you contact your SSA field office to arrange hand-delivering or faxing to SSA.

Forms Included in iAppeals

• i561: Request for Reconsideration or i501: Request for Hearing By Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• i3441: Disability Report – Appeal
• e827: Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA
• iAppeals Application Utility for Attachments (e.g. SSA-1696 (if not already on file), Medical Records, MSR, and other documents)

Four Steps of an iAppeal

1. Identification
   1. Basic screening information about the applicant and preparer
   2. Reentry Number provided
   3. Appeal Requests (i561 or i501)
2. Medical (i3441)
   1. Updated information about the applicant
   2. Updated medical information
   3. Updated contact information
   4. Activities and Training
   5. Updated information on education and work activities
3. Remarks Section
   1. Medical Authorization (e827)
   2. Review (Attachments)
   3. Review entered information before submission
4. Attachment Utility
   1. Confirmation and Receipts
   2. Personalized Cover Sheet option
   3. Start another appeal application option

Filing an Online Appeal

Start the iAppeal as soon as possible, keeping in mind the 65-day deadline from the date on the denial notice.

• Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/iApplsRe/start.
• You do not need to complete all of the appeal forms in one session. If/when you exit, you will be provided with a re-entry number that you can use to return to the iAppeal. Save this number!
• You will receive a message that alerts you to how many days are left until the deadline. Be sure to mark your calendar so the appeal deadline is not missed .
• The iAppeal is not considered complete until the i561 (Request for Reconsideration)/i501 (Request for Hearing), e827, and i3441 (Disability Report-Appeal) are submitted.
• When filing an ALJ hearing request, you can request a prehearing case review (discussed in the next article).

Submitting the iAppeals Request

• At the end of the iAppeals screen path, click the “Submit Appeal” button.
• If the applicant is not with you, you are permitted to submit the appeal as the authorized representative.
• After submission, select the link with “Personalized Cover Sheet” which lists all items sent as well as those items you may need to bring or mail to SSA.
• SSA will mail a copy of the appeal request to the claimant and authorized representative.

What’s Next?

• iAppeals will electronically submit all completed forms and attachments to SSA as one package.
• SSA will develop the case for other issues and consider good cause for late filing when necessary.
• SSA will forward the appeal request to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) or the servicing Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) as appropriate who will develop the case for other issues, such as new medical conditions, updated medical documentation, and worsening functional limitations.

Setting the Manner of Appearance for ALJ Hearings

• After you submit a Request for Hearing by ALJ, OHO will mail you a Notice of Ways to Attend a Hearing package which provides two forms and information about how you can appear at a hearing:
  • Objection to Appearing by Audio or Agency Video (submit to SSA within 30 days if you object to having your hearing by audio/telephone and/or agency video)
  • Agreement to Appearing by Online Video (submit only if you agree to appear at your hearing by online video)
• To learn more about all of the hearing options, you can watch the video “Ways to Attend Your Social Security Hearing Before a Judge” or visit “Hearing and Appeals” on SSA’s website.
• The four options for appearance are:
  • Agency video: from an SSA Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) office using agency video equipment (formerly “VTC”);
  • Online video: from a private location using private equipment (formerly “MS Teams);
  • Audio: from a private location using a private telephone (formerly “phone”); and
  • In-person