Federal Court Review

If a claimant's SSDI or SSI application is denied at the application level, appealed then denied at all levels of the SSA appeals process or the Appeals Council decides not to review the case the applicant has the legal right to file a civil suit in federal district court where the applicant resides or where they have their principal place of business. This is the last level of the appeals process. There is a filing fee for a civil action.

All federal court civil action cases must be filed in U.S. District Court within 60 days after the Appeals Council sends their decision for the case. ODAR prepares the certified record for the Courts in such cases. If you intend to file a case in civil court it is highly recommended that you discuss this action with a disability lawyer.