Opinion ID: 170687
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: overview of application for social security disability insurance benefits

Text: To assist in understanding the fee structure for representing a Social Security claimant, we provide a brief overview of the application process for Disability Insurance Benefits. See 20 C.F.R. § 405.1. A Social Security claimant must first petition the Commissioner of Social Security for benefits. Upon review of the claim, the agency issues an initial determination. A claimant who is dissatisfied with the initial determination may request further review by a federal reviewing official. If the claimant is still dissatisfied, she may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The decision of the ALJ is the final decision of the Commissioner unless the claim is referred to the Decision Review Board or Appeals Counsel. Id.; see also 20 C.F.R. § 404.967. A final decision may be reviewed in federal district court. Should the district court remand the case to the agency for further review, the Appeals Council will either issue a decision or remand the case to an ALJ with instructions. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.983. During this process, the claimant may be represented by counsel who often charge a fee for representation.