Official SSA Data

Appeals Council Statistics

The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions when claimants request further review. This is the final administrative step before federal court.

Latest data: Sep 25

Requests Received

7,115

new requests for review

Dispositions

8,571

cases completed

Pending

45,173

awaiting review

About the Appeals Council

The Appeals Council is part of SSA's Office of Appellate Operations. When a claimant disagrees with an ALJ's decision, they can request Appeals Council review within 60 days.

Possible Outcomes

Deny Review

The Appeals Council declines to review the case. The ALJ's original decision stands as the final agency action.

Most common outcome

Grant Review & Decide

The AC reviews the case and issues its own decision. May affirm, modify, or reverse the ALJ's ruling.

Full merits review

Remand to ALJ

The case is sent back to an ALJ for a new hearing or further proceedings to address specific issues.

Returns to hearing level

After the Appeals Council

If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, the claimant may file a civil action in federal district court within 60 days. This is the final step in the administrative appeals process.

View Federal Court Statistics

Monthly Workload Data

Period Receipts Dispositions Pending Workdays
Sep 25 7,115 8,571 45,173 19
Aug 25 8,940 10,919 46,629 25
Jul 25 6,532 7,788 48,608 19
Jun 25 6,918 6,772 49,864 19
May 25 8,663 8,151 49,718 24
Apr 25 6,608 6,256 49,206 20
Mar 25 5,657 5,350 48,854 20
Feb 25 5,423 6,021 48,547 19
Jan 25 7,208 6,507 49,145 22
Dec 24 4,896 4,854 48,444 18
Nov 24 7,173 7,179 48,402 23
Oct 24 6,702 5,677 48,408 19
Sep 24 6,255 5,914 47,383 19
Aug 24 8,329 7,440 47,042 25
Jul 24 6,876 5,388 46,153 19
Jun 24 7,578 5,365 44,665 19
May 24 9,303 6,849 42,452 24
Apr 24 7,578 6,165 39,998 20
Mar 24 8,779 7,253 38,585 25
Feb 24 6,536 5,693 37,059 19
Jan 24 5,961 5,433 36,216 18
Dec 23 7,355 6,939 35,688 24
Nov 23 5,599 5,413 35,272 18
Oct 23 5,706 5,982 35,086 19