Recent Changes to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) iAppeals System

The SSA’s iAppeals system is an internet service that allows claimants to e-file certain types of paperwork regarding their disability claims.

The iAppeals system recently underwent a number of changes. As of March 16, 2015, those changes include:

• Improved on-screen help text
• Clarified instructional language
• Modified sequencing of questions
• System availability to claimants who live outside the U.S.
• Documentation such as medical evidence and the Appointment of Representative (1696) form can now be submitted electronically and attached to an iAppeal

It is important to note that the iAppeals system is NOT available for Requests for Review filed with the Appeals Council, non-medical disability claim denials, post-deadline appeals, overpayments, retirement or survivors’ benefit matters, or any issues that emerge after a disability decision has already been made.

Despite numerous improvements to the system, there are still some challenges that remain. For instance, users have reported that iAppeals requires the submission of the appeal and the Disability Report simultaneously. This poses a difficulty when claimants are nearing an appeals deadline but lack easy access to all required information for a Disability Report.

In order to ensure all recent changes and improvements to the iAppeals system are properly understood and utilized, the SSA has agreed to provide demonstrations of the new system to a variety of Social Security/Disability advocacy groups.