A decision notice will be sent by the Social Security noticing an applicant as to an award or denial of the benefits claim. This letter is referred to generally as a social security "decision notice letter," and in the case of a benefits denial, it will be referred to as a "denial letter." The denial letter will then explain the decision to deny benefits and often detail the steps necessary to appeal the denial of benefits decision. An appeal of a denial of benefits must be in writing and must be made within sixty day of receipt of the "denial letter."