What Happens at the Social Security Disability Hearing?
A typical Social Security disability claim hearing is a relatively short affair, lasting anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour, and is less formal than a court hearing. Normal dress is recommended, and the hearing site may actually be at a hotel or bank.
In many regards, disability claims hearings involve an administrative law judge (ALJ), and are similar to Disability Determination Services (DDS) hearings. In fact, the only visible difference between a DDS hearing and this one would be the presence of the ALJ, as opposed to a DDS hearing officer, the presence of an attorney or representative, and perhaps the presence of a medical or vocational expert.
On the day of the hearing, the claimant should show up on time. The schedules of everyone involved in hearings regarding Social Security laws are quite complicated, and ALJs may not hear a disability law case if the claimant arrives too late. In some Social Security law cases, a claimant arriving more than ten minutes late could be enough for an ALJ to refuse to hear the case.
When testifying, tell the truth and be specific with your claims. Be very descriptive when describing pain. Your attitude while delivering testimony is important. Remember, the ALJ sees claimants every day who want benefits. The attitude of the claimant should reflect a desire, but inability, to work.
In most cases involving disability laws, the ALJ does not issue a decision at the hearing. The claimant receives a written decision in four to six weeks, sometimes longer.
Contact Eric Buchanan & Associates, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, to discuss your Social Security disability case.
