How many steps are there in the Social Security disability claims process?

There are five levels in the disability claims process. Upon filing an application for benefits, you are at the initial level. If you receive a denial you have the right to appeal. The appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration and this is the second level. If you are denied after filing your request you also have the right to appeal again. This will begin the third level, the Request for Hearing with an Administration Law Judge. This is often referred to as the hearing level. It is at this level that your claim will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If you receive a less than favorable decision from the ALJ, you may choose to file an appeal for a review by the Appeals Council entering the fourth level of the claims process. Lastly, upon a less than favorable Appeals Council decision you may also choose to enter the fifth level by filing an appeal to Federal District Court.