If you have received a letter from Social Security denying your disability claim, you need to appeal that denial within 60 days. But there is no reason to wait. Appeal that denial right away, and move on to the next step of the process.
The appeal period is always 60 days, at every level of the disability review process. Whether you receive an initial determination, a reconsideration denial, or an administrative law judge decision, your deadline for an appeal is 60 days from receipt of the denial letter. The SSA will presume that you received the denial 5 days after the date of the letter, so you have an extra 5 days if needed.
It can be very discouraging to receive that denial letter in the mail. It is a good time to consider getting legal help with your claim. A Social Security disability lawyer can take care of the appeal paperwork for you. Remember, there is no attorney fee unless you win, and Social Security pays the lawyer directly from your award of retroactive benefits.