A Few Notes on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) New iAppeals System

In an earlier entry, we looked at some of the updates to the SSA’s iAppeals system, which is an internet service that allows claimants to e-file certain types of paperwork for their disability claims. Not unexpectedly, the updates to the system generated some questions about exactly when the SSA considers an appeal to be complete and timely filed.

Today, we will reiterate what some of the iAppeals updates are, and clarify questions about timelines for electronically filed appeals.

The new iAppeals system now requires the Request for Reconsideration or Request for Hearing and the Disability Report to be completed (which can be done in one or multiple online sessions) and submitted simultaneously in order to be considered complete and timely filed. If an individual fails to complete the Disability Report by the deadline, the appeal will be considered incomplete.

The SSA’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS), which guides SSA staff through the claims process, emphasizes that a claimant should file all appeals paperwork within the appeal period (60 days plus an additional 5 mail days from the date on the initial or reconsideration determination notice), even though iAppeals provides a 90-day window for completion of appeals forms.

Furthermore, iAppeals does not allow updates. So, if an iAppeals user wishes to amend any forms that have already been submitted, he or she must submit that new and/or revised information via other channels.

Finally, it is important to note that iAppeals cannot be used to file a Request for Review by the Appeals Council. Only Requests for Reconsideration and Hearing can be filed electronically.