I have found this on the SSA site. According to SSA rules, I should have been offered the option to file a Form SSA-561-U2 when I was denied. This is for the immediate reconsideration of my claim by someone other than the one that denied me in the first place. This is the first step in the appeal process. My lawyer knew about it and said that Alabama don't allow this form. Why is this? My understanding is that the rules and regulations governing an SSDI appeal are set by the federal government. Not by the state where you apply. What makes Alabama different? I called the SSA office and they said they knew nothing about this Form SSA-561-U2. I also found that Alabama was one of the "Pilot States" to start using this form in the beginning. This makes me feel like I have had my rights violated. I can not believe that SSA here in Alabama said they knew nothing about it. I just emailed my congress woman. This has got me really and truly PO'd.