Important Update to the Pending Request for Review Process
Date:
Dear Colleague,
In 2020, the Appeals Council (Council) successfully implemented a plan to reduce the level of pending requests for review. That level remains at historic lows.
Currently, we do not act on a request for review for an initial 25-day period. However, we recognize that the Council delaying action without a specific request is not the preference for many of you. In July 2023, we will change that practice and will no longer hold a review for an initial 25-day period. If you would like additional time to submit evidence or argument, please make the corresponding election on the Form HA-520 (Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order). Letters sent from July 2023 onward will no longer have the statement regarding the 25-day period of inactivity.
All claimants and representatives can still request extensions to submit evidence to the Council, consistent with our regulations and sub-regulations. We appreciate your support as we continue to make improvements to the review process.
Thank you for your continued work on behalf of the public we serve.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Acting Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach