The claimant must complete an initial application which is then reviewed by a disability examiner at your local office.

If your claim is denied, you may file a request for Reconsideration.  Your request is sent to the disability examiner, and another decision is made on your claim.

If your claim is once again denied, you may request a Hearing.

An Administrative Law Judge, employed by the Social Security Administration, presides at the Hearing and makes an independent decision based on the facts of your case.