Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order

Form HA-520 asks the Appeals Council to review an unfavorable or partially favorable decision issued by an Administrative Law Judge. The Appeals Council does not hold a new hearing; it reviews the written record to decide whether the judge made an error of law, lacked substantial evidence for the findings, abused discretion, or overlooked evidence that undermines the decision, and it will consider new evidence only if it is material, relates to the period on or before the hearing decision, and there is good cause for not submitting it earlier. The Council can deny review, decide the case itself, or, most commonly when it acts, remand the case to a judge for a new hearing and decision.

File the HA-520 within 60 days of receiving the judge's decision, online through the appeals portal at ssa.gov, or by mailing or faxing the form to the Appeals Council address listed in your decision notice, or through your local office. The form gives only a few lines for your reasons, so most representatives attach or later submit a written brief identifying the specific legal errors, such as an improperly evaluated medical opinion, flawed vocational testimony, or findings unsupported by the record. You may request additional time to submit argument or evidence, but ask in writing. Appeals Council review commonly takes a year or more, and outright reversals are rare, so discuss with your representative whether a new application should also be protected while the appeal is pending. Keep proof of timely filing.