This Google search query landed a visitor on my blog: What should I do after being denied by the social security appeals council?

I am going to answer that question right now.

The Appeals Council is the last word on your claim from the Social Security Administration. Your next step is U.S. District Court. You have just 60 days from the date of the Appeals Council decision to file this action. If you want the help of an attorney, find one right now – don't wait till the end of the 60 day period.

You can also file a new claim with Social Security, and start the process all over again. If your claim was a Title II disability claim, your onset date would be the day after the ALJ decision on your previous claim. Check to ensure that your date last insured is not prior to date of the the ALJ's decision. If your claim was for SSI, you can file a new claim anytime. Your onset date will be the filing date of the new claim.