Effective Dates: 10/27/2026 - Present

Identification Number:
SI 04040 TN 12
Intended Audience:See Transmittal Sheet
Originating Office:LP ISP
Title:Appeals Council (AC) Review - SSI
Type:POMS Full Transmittals
Program:All Programs
Link To Reference:
 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEM
Part SI – Supplemental Security Income
Chapter 040 – Administrative Review, Appeals and Finality - SSI
Subchapter 40 – Appeals Council (AC) Review - SSI
Transmittal No. 12, 10/27/2026

Audience

OCO-OEIO: FDE, RECONE;
FO/TSC: CS, CS TXVI, CSR, CTE, DRT, FR, OA, OS, RR, TA, TSC-CSR;

Originating Component

ISP

Effective Date

Upon Receipt

Background

This transmittal incorporates the EM-21000, which covers the Electronic Non-Medical (ENM) appeals process created during the COVID-19 pandemic. We updated this section to provide further clarification on the instructions and to remove outdated information.

Summary of Changes

SI 04040.020 Requesting Appeals Council Review

We changed the section title for clarity and removed "-U5" throughout the section to ensure consistency with the existing form. We also added citations: 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.1467–416.1482.

Subsection A:We improve clarity.

Subsection B:We improve clarity.

B.1: We deleted the existing information in this section and moved the information from subsection B.2 here.

B.2: The information in this section is now in B.1. We moved the information from subsection B.3 to this section.

B.3: The information in this section is now in B.2. We moved the information from subsection B.4 to this section.

B.4: The information in this section is now in B.3. We moved the information from subsection B.6 to this section.

B.5: The operations procedure in this section is now included in GN 03104.100. We deleted this section.

B.6: The information in this section is now included in B.4. We deleted this section.

Subsection C: We added relevant cross-references. We provided further clarification on instructions for inputting the appeal into Title XVI systems.

Subsection D: We moved and updated the cross-reference lists from subsection I to this section.

Subsection E: We deleted this section because it contained outdated information.

Subsection F: We deleted this section because it contained outdated information.

Subsection G: We relocated the cross-reference from this section to the references list, which is now subsection D. We deleted this section.

Subsection H: We relocated the cross-reference from this section to the references list, which is now subsection D. We deleted this section.

Subsection I: The cross-reference lists in this section are now included in the new subsection D. We deleted this section.

SI 04040.020 Title XVI Non-Medical Appeals - Requests for Appeals Council Review

Citations: 20 C.F.R Sections 416.1467 - 416.1482

A. Appeals council (AC) review policy

The AC reviews hearings level decisions and orders of dismissal at the request of the claimant, or on the AC’s own motion. When the AC receives a request to review, the AC may deny, dismiss, or grant the request for review. For granted requests, the AC will issue a dismissal, decision, or remand the case to the hearing office, see Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual HA 01305.010.

B. Requirements for filing a request for AC review

1. Who may request AC review

The claimant, beneficiary, recipient, their appointed representative, or representative payee can file a request for review.

NOTE: While the AC will accept requests for review filed by third parties, in all cases, unless the claimant has authorized the release of information to a third party in writing, see HALLEX HA 01140.003E, we will not provide the third party with any information relating to the receipt or processing of the request for review. For more information on who may request AC review, see HALLEX HA 01310.001.

2. How to request AC review

If a claimant is dissatisfied with a hearings level decision or order of dismissal, they may request AC review of the hearing decision or order of dismissal. A claimant may specifically request review or may imply a request for review. Technicians may find an implied request for review when a claimant expresses disagreement or dissatisfaction with the hearings level action or expresses an intent to pursue appeal rights. However, they must make the formal request for AC review to the agency in writing by submitting:

  • •

    An online appeal (iAppeal) using the Social Security Administration (SSA) secure online process AC iAppeal Online (this is the preferred method for appealing the hearings level decision or order of dismissal), or

  • •

    A completed form HA-520 (Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order), or

  • •

    A letter, fax, or other written statement.

NOTE: We do not require a signature on the form HA-520 or any other written request for AC review.

3. When to request AC review

A claimant must submit a request for AC review within 60 days after receipt of the hearings level decision or order of dismissal. We presume that the claimant receives the decision or order of dismissal 5 days after the date on the notice, unless there is a reasonable showing to the contrary.

4. Where to submit a request for AC review

The preferred method for appealing the hearings level decision or order of dismissal is to use the secure online iAppeals process.

A claimant may also fax the form HA-520 or equivalent writing directly to the AC at 1-833-509-0817, or mail it to:

Social Security Administration
Appeals Council
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401

Finally, a claimant may also submit a form HA-520 or equivalent writing to any SSA office, the Veterans Administration Regional Office in the Philippines, any Foreign Service Post, or any Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) office if the claimant has at least 10 years of service in the railroad industry, or if after December 31, 1995, the claimant has at least 5 years of service in the railroad industry.

C. Procedures for routing a request for AC review

If a claimant inquires about filing a request for AC review during an appointment, walk-in service, or by telephone, the FO must complete the actions as described in GN 03104.100C.1.

Upon receipt of a request for AC review for non-medical issues, follow the FO procedures in GN 03104.100C.2 for routing of the request.

  • •

    Load the appeal into Modernized Supplemental Security Income Claims System (MSSICS) and ensure the appeal is on the Supplemental Security Record (SSR). For instructions on how to complete the MSSICS appeal screens, see MS 04420.001.

  • •

    For non-MSSICS cases, complete input using the Direct SSR Update.

    NOTE: When a claimant submits a request for review using iAppeal, the request is routed directly to the AC. There is no need for a FO to transfer an i520 to the AC.

Upon receipt of a request for AC review for disability issues, follow the FO procedures in DI 12020.001B for routing the request.

D. References

  • •

    GN 03104.000 Appeals Council (AC) Review - Title II and Entitlement Under Title XVIII

  • •

    GN 03104.250 HA-520 (Request For Review Of Hearing Decision/Order) - Exhibit

  • •

    GN 03104.260 HA-520-SP (Request For Review Of Hearing Decision/Order) - Exhibit

  • •

    DI 12020.000 Appeals Council (AC) Review - Disability

  • •

    SM 31000.000 Visitor Intake Process (VIPr) User Guide

  • •

    HA 01305.010 Appeals Council Jurisdiction — Requests for Review and Own Motion Review (I-3-0-10)

  • •

    HA 01140.003 Privacy Act (I-1-4-3)

  • •

    HA 01310.001 Filing a Request for Review (I-3-1-1)


SI 04040 TN 12 - Appeals Council (AC) Review - SSI - 10/27/2026