The ALJ or a hearing office (HO) staff person the ALJ designates must review all of the evidence in the record before the hearing to determine whether it is sufficient for a full and fair inquiry into the matters at issue, including such issues as the claimant's insured status, work history, education, income and resources, and relationship and dependency.

If this review indicates that additional evidence from non-medical sources is needed, the HO staff must undertake appropriate development. The HO staff must make every effort to obtain all essential documentary evidence early enough to allow the ALJ sufficient time to consider the evidence before the hearing. (See Hearings, Appeals, and Litigation Law manual HA 01210.005, Conducting Prehearing Case Analysis and Workup.)