Your Social Security

By DAVID BROWN

Some people know that when you apply for disability benefits from Social Security, you have the right to appeal the decision you do not agree with. But did you know that now you can file an appeal over the Internet? Doing it online can help speed the process and assist Social Security in serving you better.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.

The Internet Appeal process is a fast, convenient, secure way to appeal a decision on your Social Security disability claim that you don't agree with. You can file your appeal online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal.

To use the Internet Appeal process, you need to have applied for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income disability benefits and been denied for medical reasons. Please remember to have your denial notice with you when you begin this process because you will need to refer to it.

When you use the Internet Appeal process, just as when you appeal in a Social Security office, there are two steps you'll need to take.

First, complete the Appeal Request. It will ask you questions about yourself, such as updated information on your address, your disabling condition and your work.

Second, complete the Appeal Disability Report. This section will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, such as updates in your medications, doctor and hospital visits. In this section, we want to learn all we can about your disabling condition.

After you've completed the two sections of the Internet Appeal, you'll be ready to review and submit your information. You'll have the opportunity to print a copy of your appeal for your records. But you won't have to mail a copy to us; just submit the appeal electronically.

Online appeals represent one of many transactions you can now complete right over the Internet using Social Security's Web site. You can also apply for retirement, disability or spouses benefits, request to replace your Medicare card and plan for your retirement. Visit our Online Services page at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to learn more about our online office.

To learn more about appealing a Social Security decision online, or to begin an appeal now, visit the Internet Appeals page at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal.

Learn more about Social Security by visiting our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).