The Disability Determination Agency at each state is responsible for reviewing each application in conjunction with a medical doctor to ensure that the claim is considered appropriately. When the initial review determines that the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits, then the applicant may request that the claim be reconsidered.

An entirely different disability examiner will then review the claim and make their determination. Far more often than not, if the first review denied the claim, then the second review will reach the same result. The first and second review can be the most frustrating as the applicant usually does not even know the name of the person reviewing their claim and is unable to fight for their eligibility.