SSI & SSDI Guide: Appeals in Colorado, Colorado

Introduction: A Colorado, Colorado Guide to SSDI Denials and Appeals

If you live in Colorado and your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim was denied, you are not alone—and you are not out of options. Many first-time applications are denied, often because the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs more evidence, the wrong standard was applied, or key forms were incomplete or late. This guide explains the federal rules that govern SSDI and SSI decisions, the exact appeal deadlines, and practical steps Colorado residents can take to protect their claims.

SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs, so the same national rules apply in Colorado as they do elsewhere. However, the SSA administers cases locally through field offices and regional operations. Colorado is served by the SSA’s Denver Region, and hearings for Colorado claimants are scheduled and managed by SSA offices serving your locality. This means your notices, due dates, and hearing locations will be tied to your Colorado residence and the SSA components that cover your county. This guide focuses on the rules, process, and strategic steps that matter most to Colorado residents after a denial.

Two things matter immediately after receiving a denial: time and evidence. SSA appeals are subject to strict deadlines—typically 60 days from when you receive the denial notice, with a five-day mailing presumption unless you can show you received it later. Missing deadlines can force you to restart, losing back benefits and time. Just as important, success on appeal often turns on developing complete medical evidence and addressing the specific reasons SSA gave for denying your claim. Below, we explain your rights, common reasons for denial, the federal regulations that control the process, and what to do next.

Note: While this article emphasizes SSDI, many of the appeal rules are parallel for SSI claims. Where relevant, we identify the corresponding SSI provisions.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI vs. SSI: Two federal disability programs

SSDI (Title II) pays disability benefits if you are “insured” through work and payroll taxes and meet the federal definition of disability. SSI (Title XVI) pays needs-based benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Because many Coloradans apply for both, it is common to see decisions that address SSDI and SSI at the same time.

The statutory definition of disability for SSDI is found at Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 423(d). In general, SSA must find that you have a medically determinable impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death) and that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SSA’s five-step “sequential evaluation” process is codified at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (SSDI) and 20 C.F.R. § 416.920 (SSI).

Key rights every Colorado claimant should know

• Right to appeal: You can appeal each adverse determination through multiple levels—reconsideration, hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Appeals Council review, and federal court. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.900–404.999a (SSDI) and 416.1400–416.1499 (SSI).
• Right to representation: You may appoint an attorney or qualified non-attorney to represent you at any level. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705, 404.1706; 416.1505, 416.1506. SSA must approve representative fees. See 42 U.S.C. § 406(a); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1730.
• Right to submit evidence and be heard: You may submit medical and non-medical evidence, present witnesses, and question vocational or medical experts at hearing. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.950; comparable SSI provision at § 416.1450.
• Right to review the file: You can examine the evidence in your case and receive copies. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512, 404.916, 404.929 et seq.
• Right to a reasoned decision: SSA must explain its findings, the evidence relied upon, and why it accepted or rejected medical opinions. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c, 404.1520(a), and related provisions.

Colorado-specific context

While SSA is federal, your case will be handled through Colorado field offices and hearing operations serving your county. Use SSA’s Office Locator to confirm your local office and contact options, and carefully follow the address on your notice when you file appeals or submit evidence. The SSA’s Denver Region oversees service to Colorado claimants and provides regional information and updates.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why SSA denied your claim helps you target your appeal. Colorado claimants commonly encounter the following grounds, all governed by federal rules:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If SSA finds you worked and earned above the SGA level, your claim can be denied at Step 1. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571–404.1574 (SSDI). Even part-time earnings can exceed SGA if monthly income is above the threshold.
• Insufficient medical evidence: SSA requires objective medical evidence from acceptable medical sources showing a medically determinable impairment. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1502 (definitions), 404.1513 (evidence). If records are incomplete, outdated, or do not show functional limitations, SSA may deny.
• Impairment not severe or not lasting 12 months: At Steps 2 and duration assessment, SSA denies claims if impairments are not “severe” or do not meet the 12-month duration requirement under 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). See also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).
• Failure to meet or equal a Listing: At Step 3, SSA considers the “Listing of Impairments” (Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404). If your condition does not meet or equal a Listing, SSA proceeds to Steps 4 and 5, but some claims are denied here for lack of severity per the Listings.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) findings: At Steps 4 and 5, SSA assesses what you can still do despite impairments. If SSA concludes you can perform past relevant work (Step 4) or other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy (Step 5), it may deny. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545 (RFC), 404.1560–404.1569a (vocational rules).
• Non-cooperation or missed consultative exam: SSA may deny if you fail to attend a scheduled consultative examination without good cause or fail to provide requested information. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512, 404.1517–404.1519t.
• Insured status lapse (SSDI): You must be “insured” through sufficient work credits as of the alleged onset date or date last insured (DLI). If your DLI pre-dates disability onset, SSA may deny SSDI. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.130–404.132.

A denial does not mean SSA believes you are not disabled. It can mean the evidence did not satisfy a specific regulatory requirement. Your appeal should directly address the cited reasons with targeted medical and vocational evidence.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

SSDI and SSI claims are governed by the Social Security Act and detailed regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). For Colorado claimants, the following provisions are especially important:

• Definition of disability: 42 U.S.C. § 423(d) (SSDI).
• Sequential evaluation framework: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (SSDI); 20 C.F.R. § 416.920 (SSI).
• Administrative review process: 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.900–404.999a (SSDI); 416.1400–416.1499 (SSI). These rules govern reconsideration, ALJ hearings, Appeals Council review, and more.
• Appeal deadlines (statutes of limitations in SSA process): Typically 60 days from receipt of notice to request reconsideration (20 C.F.R. § 404.909; § 416.1409), hearing (20 C.F.R. § 404.933; § 416.1433), and Appeals Council review (20 C.F.R. § 404.968; § 416.1468). Receipt is presumed five days after the notice date unless you show otherwise (20 C.F.R. § 404.901; § 416.1401); good cause for late filing may be found (20 C.F.R. § 404.911; § 416.1411).
• Right to a hearing: 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.929–404.961 (SSDI); §§ 416.1429–416.1461 (SSI). Includes rights to present evidence, object to issues (20 C.F.R. § 404.939), and question witnesses (20 C.F.R. § 404.950).
• Evidence and medical opinions: 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512 (duty to submit evidence), 404.1520c (evaluation of medical opinions), and related provisions.
• Listing of Impairments: Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404 (adult listings). If you meet or equal a Listing, you are disabled at Step 3.
• Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Grids): Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404. These guidelines may direct a finding of “disabled” or “not disabled,” especially for claimants over age 50 with exertional limitations.
• Judicial review: If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a civil action in federal district court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). See also 20 C.F.R. § 422.210.
• Reopening a prior decision: Under specific circumstances, SSA may reopen within certain timeframes—e.g., within 12 months for any reason, and within four years for good cause in Title II cases. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.987–404.989 (SSDI); §§ 416.1487–416.1489 (SSI).
• Representation and fees: You may appoint a representative (attorney or qualified non-attorney). SSA must approve fees. See 42 U.S.C. § 406(a); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705, 404.1720–404.1730.

Because these are federal rules, they apply uniformly to Colorado claimants. Your appeal strategy should align closely with these citations so your evidence speaks the language the SSA must use to decide your case.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

The most important action after a denial in Colorado is to preserve your appeal rights before the deadline. Here is a step-by-step approach grounded in the federal regulations:

1) Read the denial notice and calendar your deadline

You generally have 60 days from the date you receive the denial to appeal. SSA presumes you received the notice five days after its date unless you can show you received it later. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.901; SSI: §§ 416.1409, 416.1401. Mark your deadline on a calendar and aim to file early.

If the deadline has passed, explain why in a written statement and request a finding of “good cause” for late filing. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.911; 416.1411. Good cause depends on all the facts—such as serious illness, misunderstanding due to a language barrier, or evidence that the notice was received late.

2) File a request for reconsideration (first appeal level)

Most initial denials must be appealed by filing a reconsideration request using SSA’s online system, by mail, or in person. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 (SSDI); § 416.1409 (SSI). In reconsideration, a different reviewer examines your case. This is your chance to provide updated treatment records, test results, and clarifying statements that directly address the denial reasons.

• Target the denial: If SSA denied you for SGA, submit pay records and a statement if earnings fell below SGA or involved special conditions. If denied for insufficient medical evidence, identify all providers and submit complete records.
• Support with objective medical evidence: SSA places weight on objective findings (imaging, lab results, clinical signs) and a well-supported medical opinion describing your functional limitations. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1513, 404.1520c.

3) Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing within 60 days. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.933; 416.1433. Hearings are where many Colorado claimants win, because you can testify, present witnesses, and cross-examine vocational or medical experts. You must submit or inform SSA about all written evidence at least five business days before the hearing unless you show good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935; § 416.1435.

• Prepare testimony: Describe your symptoms, frequency, and functional limits consistent with the medical evidence. Explain bad days vs. better days, need for breaks, and how impairments affect work-like activities.
• Address the RFC: The ALJ will consider your “residual functional capacity.” Tie your limitations to specific findings (e.g., gait instability, reduced grip strength, pulmonary function test results) and to exertional/non-exertional restrictions.
• Vocational evidence: Be ready to question vocational expert testimony about job numbers and transferable skills. Regulations on past relevant work and other work include 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560–404.1569a.

4) Request Appeals Council review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request Appeals Council (AC) review within 60 days. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968; § 416.1468. The AC may deny review, remand for a new hearing, or issue a decision. You can argue that the ALJ made legal errors, failed to evaluate medical opinion evidence under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c, overlooked relevant evidence, or made unsupported findings.

5) File in federal district court (if needed)

If the AC denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a civil action in the appropriate U.S. District Court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The suit must be filed within 60 days after you receive notice of the AC’s action. See also 20 C.F.R. § 422.210. Federal court review is limited to whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.

6) Consider reopening rules

In some situations, a final decision can be reopened within limited timeframes—within 12 months for any reason and within four years for good cause in Title II cases. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.987–404.989. Reopening is discretionary and fact-specific, but it can restore benefits periods or correct errors.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you can represent yourself, many Colorado claimants benefit from professional representation, especially at the ALJ hearing level and beyond. Representatives understand how to build the evidentiary record, work with treating sources on persuasive medical opinions, comply with the five-day evidence rule, and cross-examine vocational experts.

• Right to representation: You may appoint an attorney or qualified non-attorney. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705; 416.1505.
• Fees require SSA approval: Representative fees must be approved by SSA under 42 U.S.C. § 406(a) and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1730.
• Colorado licensing: If you seek legal advice about Colorado law or want an attorney-client relationship in Colorado, you should work with an attorney licensed to practice law in Colorado. SSA proceedings are federal, and representatives may be attorneys licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction or qualified non-attorneys, but state-specific legal advice should come from a Colorado-licensed attorney.

Seek help promptly after any denial to protect deadlines and allow time to gather targeted evidence. Representatives can also help determine whether to seek a remand from the Appeals Council, proceed to federal court, or file a new application while preserving prior claims when appropriate.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Colorado Claimants

Colorado SSA contact and office information

• SSA Office Locator (find your Colorado field office): Use SSA’s official tool to confirm your nearest office, mailing addresses, and hours.
• Denver Region: Colorado is served by the SSA’s Denver Regional Office, which provides regional updates and oversight for disability programs.
• SSA national phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). You can call to ask about appeal status, deadlines, and how to submit evidence.

Always file appeals and submit evidence to the exact address or online portal listed on your most recent SSA notice. Notices control where your appeal must be sent and where your hearing will be scheduled. Keep copies of everything you send and obtain proof of receipt when possible.

Building a stronger Colorado appeal record

• Close the evidence gaps: Request complete treatment records from all providers. SSA evaluates objective medical evidence and longitudinal treatment history. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Treating source opinions: A well-supported medical opinion addressing your functional limitations and clinical findings can be decisive. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c, ALJs evaluate supportability and consistency.
• Track functional impacts: Daily activity logs and third-party statements can corroborate symptoms and flare-ups. Tie these to medical evidence.
• Document work issues: If you attempted to work, gather pay stubs, accommodations, and reasons the job ended. Discuss “unsuccessful work attempts” where applicable (see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c)).
• Respect deadlines: Use certified mail or SSA’s online systems to time-stamp submissions. Invoke good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911 if necessary, with detailed explanations and supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Colorado SSDI/SSI Appeals

How long do I have to appeal an SSDI denial?

Generally, 60 days from receipt of the notice, with a five-day mailing presumption. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.901; SSI: §§ 416.1409, 416.1401. Good cause for late filing may be found under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911; § 416.1411.

Where will my Colorado hearing be held?

Hearings are scheduled by SSA’s hearing operations serving your locality. Your Notice of Hearing will specify the location, date, and time, and whether the format is in person, by video, or by phone. Follow the instructions on your Colorado Notice of Hearing.

What is the “Blue Book” and the “Grids”?

The Listing of Impairments (the "Blue Book") sets medical criteria that, if met or equaled, can lead to an award at Step 3. The Medical-Vocational Guidelines (the "Grids") help determine disability at Step 5, especially for older claimants with exertional limitations. See Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404.

Can I submit new evidence after the hearing is scheduled?

Yes, but you must generally submit or inform SSA about written evidence at least five business days before the hearing unless an exception applies. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935; § 416.1435.

Can I hire a representative for my case in Colorado?

Yes. You have the right to representation at all stages. Representatives can be attorneys licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction or qualified non-attorneys. SSA must approve any fee. See 42 U.S.C. § 406(a); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705, 404.1720–404.1730.

Strategy Corner: Turning a Colorado Denial into an Approval

• Align your case with the five-step framework: Frame your evidence step-by-step—severity, Listings, RFC, past work, and other work—matching the exact regulatory language. Cite 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 in your pre-hearing brief.
• Demonstrate consistency: Ensure your testimony, daily activities, and treatment patterns are consistent with your alleged limitations and the objective record.
• Use objective testing where applicable: Pulmonary function tests, imaging, nerve conduction studies, cardiac ejection fraction, and neuropsychological testing can provide decisive objective support.
• Clarify work attempts: If you tried to work but could not sustain it, highlight whether it was an unsuccessful work attempt under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).
• Request consultative exams if needed: If there are gaps in the record, a properly scoped consultative exam can help—comply with scheduling and provide accurate histories. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1517–404.1519t.

Important Deadlines and How to Count Them

• Reconsideration: 60 days from receipt of the initial denial. 20 C.F.R. § 404.909.
• ALJ hearing: 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration denial. 20 C.F.R. § 404.933.
• Appeals Council: 60 days from receipt of the ALJ decision. 20 C.F.R. § 404.968.
• Federal court: 60 days from receipt of the Appeals Council action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
• Receipt rule: Presumed five days after notice date unless you show later receipt. 20 C.F.R. § 404.901.
• Good cause: You may request late-filing acceptance for good cause. 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.
• Reopening: Within 12 months for any reason; within four years for good cause in Title II. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.987–404.989.

Tip: File online when possible to obtain an immediate timestamp, and keep copies of confirmation pages and any mailed proof of delivery. For Colorado residents who prefer in-person assistance, use the SSA Office Locator to verify your local office’s hours before visiting.

How SSI Fits In for Colorado Claimants

Many Coloradans apply for both SSDI and SSI. If you are uninsured for SSDI, or your SSDI benefit is small, SSI may be a key part of your benefits. The appeal steps are parallel under Title XVI regulations (see 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.1400–416.1499), with the same 60-day deadline structure and good-cause standards. SSI has financial eligibility rules, including resource limits and income counting rules, which are not part of SSDI.

When appealing combined SSDI/SSI denials, make sure your submissions comply with both sets of regulations (Title II and Title XVI). For example, evidence rules and Listings are closely aligned, but financial eligibility pertains only to SSI.

Evidence Essentials for Colorado Appeals

• Acceptable medical sources: Physicians, psychologists, and other licensed medical professionals recognized by SSA. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1502; § 404.1513.
• Objective tests: Imaging, labs, and other tests carry significant weight, especially when they explain functional limitations and not just diagnoses.
• Function-by-function analysis: Align medical opinions with sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, postural activities, and mental functions relevant to work. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545.
• Consistency across the record: Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c, adjudicators weigh supportability and consistency of medical opinions—make sure your treating source explains the medical basis for any limitations.

Colorado Filing Logistics and Practical Tips

• Use the right channel: File appeals online when possible; otherwise, mail or deliver to the address listed on your Colorado notice.
• Follow the five-day rule: Submit evidence at least five business days before the hearing unless you can show good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.935.
• Track your submissions: Keep a running evidence index with dates requested/received and provider contact information.
• Update your contact info: Notify SSA immediately if you move within Colorado or change phone numbers to avoid missed notices.

Sample Appeal Narrative Structure (for Colorado Claimants)

• Introduction: Identify the case (SSDI/SSI), relevant dates, and the decision you’re appealing.
• Issues presented: E.g., Step 3 Listing analysis error; Step 5 job-numbers evidence; improper evaluation under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c.
• Factual background: Summarize impairments, treatment history, objective findings.
• Argument: Apply the five-step framework; cite regulations; analyze Listings and RFC evidence; address vocational testimony.
• Relief requested: Fully favorable decision, or remand for a new hearing with instructions.

Local SSA Information for Colorado

Colorado residents can interact with SSA through local field offices, online services, and the Denver Regional Office. To avoid processing delays, always follow the directions on the most recent notice in your case.

• Find your nearest Colorado SSA field office with the SSA Office Locator.
• For regional information affecting Colorado claimants, visit the SSA Denver Region page.
• National SSA phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Key Takeaways for Colorado SSDI/SSI Appeals

• Deadlines rule: 60-day appeal windows with a five-day mailing presumption apply at each level. Cite 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.933, 404.968, and 404.901.
• Evidence wins cases: Build a record with objective tests, longitudinal treatment, and specific functional limitations backed by medical opinion under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c.
• Know your rights: To representation, to a hearing, to submit evidence, and to judicial review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
• Use federal frameworks: Listings (Appendix 1) and Grids (Appendix 2) can be outcome-determinative.
• Colorado logistics matter: Use the SSA Office Locator and follow your notice for where and how to file or appear in Colorado.

Exact Links to Authoritative Resources

SSA: How to Appeal a DecisioneCFR: 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart J (Administrative Review)SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)SSA Office Locator (Find Your Local Office)SSA Denver Region (Serving Colorado)

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This page targets the primary search phrase "SSDI denial appeal colorado colorado" and secondary phrases including "social security disability," "colorado disability attorney," and "SSDI appeals," to help Colorado residents easily find accurate, federally grounded guidance.

Legal Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Consult a licensed Colorado attorney for advice about your situation.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.