Requesting a review of a decision made on your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability application is now as easy as surfing the web. To file an appeal online, simply visit the online services page at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Then select the "Appeal a decision" link and follow the simple instructions.

Under the paper process, you need to complete a number of forms, and then mail or take them into the Social Security office for processing. The new iAppeals application has simplified the process to two easy steps—with no paper forms required. In addition, we can begin to process your appeal right away.

When Social Security receives your electronic request, we will take another look at our decision about whether you are disabled under Social Security law. Social Security will send you the outcome in writing.

If for some reason you are not able to complete an appeal online, call our toll-free number at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778). Tell a representative you would like to appeal the decision on your case.

However you request your appeal, Social Security carefully considers all the information in your case before making a decision about your eligibility or benefit amount.

To learn more about how Social Security appeals work, read our online publication, The Appeals Process, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10041.html. To file your appeal online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Ginny Jordan is a Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. Her weekly column on all things Social Security appears in the Sunday Edition of the Sun-Sentinel.

Ginny has agreed to let us reprint her articles here for your convenience.

Thank you Ginny!