Those representing clients before the Social Security Administration must file Reconsideration Requests and Hearing Requests for medically denied Title II and Title XVI disability claims online. The requirement went into effect Friday, March 16, 2012.

The new mandate applies to representatives who request and are eligible for direct fee payment, which is pretty much everybody. 

The requirement for online appeals includes the Disability Report – Appeal form.

For more information, there is SSA webinar entitled "Filing a Disability Appeal Online" available for viewing at any time.

Making claimants' representatives responsible for e-filing the Disability Report- Appeal is a major shift of responsibility from the Social Security Administration to those representing claimants before the SSA. The new mandate will save thousands of hours of staff time at local Social Security offices at the expense of claimants' representatives.