Social Security Disability Hearing Procedure

There is no specific procedure for a Social Security Disability hearing. Much of what happens depends entirely on how the Administrative Law judge prefers to conduct the hearing. However, in most cases you can expect a similar format.

Formalities and Introducing Your Hearing

Most of the time, formalities will be exchanged between the judge and those present. If you are not being represented, the judge will reiterate the fact that you have the right to have a representative present. The judge will then introduce the case, along with its history; after the judge will swear you in, asking you to raise your right hand and swear that your testimony will be “the truth and nothing but the truth”.

Personal Information

The judge will then delve further into personal information asking questions involving yourself and your case (name, age, educational background [etc.] as well as medical history). Make sure you give clear and detailed answers, especially when it regards your mental or physical impairment and how it affects your day to day living.

Witnesses

After all the basic are established, the judge will then proceed with any witnesses you have brought and have them testify as to any limitations your impairment may cause. The judge will usually ask questions first, being very thorough with what he/she is asking. It is important to have credible witnesses, and not just several witnesses describing the same stories; in this case, it is the quality not quantity of the witnesses that will help you win your case. Pay attention to the questions the ALJ asks of your witness, so that you or your representative can cover any points that the judge may have missed. Also, it is important to not repeat questions that the judge has already asked.

Make sure your witnesses have specific details of the limitations that your physical or mental impairment causes. That is to say, whether or not you can walk, lift anything, or mentally handle stresses of work, etc.

To increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim it is important for you to hire an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to get you the Social Security Disability help you deserve. Please call us today at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a form our website for a FREE claim evaluation.