Social Security Disability Guide:
Claim Procedure
The process is started by filing the initial claim
application. This should be filed at the local
district
office of the Social Security Administration closest to the claimant's
residence. After the initial claim application is filed, an
initial decision is made.If the claim is disallowed by the initial decision, a request for reconsideration can be filed. The request for reconsideration must be filed within 60 days of the date the denial was received. Additional evidence may be filed at this stage.
If the claim is again disallowed, the claimant can request a hearing. The request for hearing must be filed within 60 days of the date the reconsideration disallowance was received. The hearing will be held before an Administrative Law Judge. New evidence may be submitted before the Administrative Law Judge.
If the Administrative Law Judge decides against the claimant, appeal may be had to the Appeals Council. An appeal to the appeals council must be filed within 60 days of the date the Administrative Law Judge's decision was received. New evidence may be submitted at this stage, but it must be related to the time before the Administrative Law Judge's denial.
If the Appeals Council refuses to review the case, or affirms the Administrative Law Judge's denial, the claimant may appeal to the Federal District Court for the District where the claimant lives. An appeal to the federal court must be filed within 60 days of the decision of the Appeals Council. No new evidence may be submitted at this stage.