Should I File a Social Security Disability Federal Court Appeal in NY?

Posted on September 11, 2025

When you’ve fought hard for Social Security Disability benefits, through initial application, reconsideration, your hearing with an administrative law judge, and even the Social Security Appeals Council, but still get denied, it feels crushing.

But even now, you still are not out of options.

The next step is to take your case to federal court. This is where you’re no longer appealing your disability benefits denial within Social Security’s system. You’re filing a lawsuit against the Commissioner of Social Security in U.S. District Court.

It’s a serious step, but it can be life-changing when you finally win the benefits you deserve.

At Lachman & Gorton Law Office, we’ve spent decades helping hardworking people across Upstate New York push through these tough final stages.

To win a disability appeal in federal court, you need a highly technical breakdown of why Social Security’s decision to reject your benefits was flawed.

Not all disability lawyers handle federal court appeals. People get referred to Lachman & Gorton because of our strong reputation with these cases. Even other attorneys send us cases when they are ready for federal court appeals.

Our disability attorneys for Rochester, Elmira, Oneonta, Binghamton and across the region know how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Pursue a Federal Court Appeal for Disability Benefits?

Here’s why it can be important to continue your disability benefits appeal in federal court:

• Taking your claim to federal court gives you a fresh set of eyes on your case, a federal judge outside the Social Security system.
• It’s a chance to call attention to errors by Social Security that the Social Security system itself wouldn’t acknowledge
• You preserve your original application date (instead of starting over), which can mean much more back pay when you win.
• If the federal judge orders a “remand back to the administrative law judge,” sending your case for another hearing with instructions to decide differently, you get another chance, and likely a better chance, to argue for life-changing benefits.
• The judge also can overrule Social Security and directly award you benefits.

You only have 60 days from the Appeals Council’s decision to file in federal court. Don’t wait too long and lose your chance to continue your claim.

Not every case has to go to federal court or should.

You can’t add new evidence at this step. The court only reviews the existing record of your case.

If your medical condition has significantly changed since your last appeal, we may consider whether reapplying for benefits would serve you better because you now have a stronger starting point for a new application.

The key is understanding your options and acting fast.

Talk to Lachman & Gorton to get a FREE evaluation of your disability benefits appeal.

What Happens when you Appeal a Disability Benefits Denial in Federal Court?

The federal court process is less about retelling your story and more about showing where Social Security made legal or procedural mistakes.

Here’s what to expect:

Filing Your Lawsuit: We submit your case to the U.S. District Court, officially suing the Commissioner of Social Security.
Written Legal Arguments: We draft detailed briefs pointing out the errors in your previous denials and explain why you qualify for benefits.
Review of Your Record: The judge examines your existing file. No new evidence can be added. You don’t speak to the judge in person.
The Judge’s Decision: The court can deny your claim, approve benefits, or (most commonly) remand it back to the administrative law judge for a new hearing.

This process is mostly done through paperwork—without a hearing like you had with a Social Security administrative law judge. What matters most is the strength of the legal arguments we submit on your behalf.

Federal court disability appeals are highly specific kinds of cases and require an attorney who is admitted to practice in the court where you are appealing. In Upstate New York, Lachman & Gorton’s long experience can make a difference.

The federal court stage may feel like another hurdle, but it can also be your strongest opportunity to succeed. With a Lachman & Gorton disability lawyer, you’re not alone.

Contact us today to keep hope alive for the financial support you need and deserve.