Appeals Council

The Appeals Council (AC) is the final level of administrative review for claims filed for benefits under the Social Security Act. The Appeals Council’s jurisdiction generally begins after an administrative law judge (ALJ) makes the decision to dismiss a claim. The AC will review decisions upon written request by the claimant or their representative. The AC can also review decisions on their own authority, without being requested to do so by anyone. The AC also has a quality assurance function and administers remands issued by the federal courts.

Located in Falls Church, Virginia they also have additional offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Crystal City, Virginia. Cases originate in hearing office throughout the country and the council will look at cases in which a request for review is filed. They must determine to grant, deny, or dismiss a request for review. If it grants the request for review, it will either decide the case or return (“remand”) it to an administrative law judge for a new decision.

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