Social Security Disability Hearing Process Part 2

By now you have received notice of where and when your Social Security disability benefits appeal hearing will take place. You know the name of your Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and if you have hired a lawyer they have prepared a brief outlining your case and submitted it to the hearing office. In part 1 we discussed preparing for your SSD hearing. In this article we’ll take a look at what you can expect at your Social Security disability hearing, and how your disability attorney can be helpful.

What to expect at your Social Security disability appeal hearing

The hearing will take place in a small conference room within the hearing office. You will likely see a conference table, and the judge’s desk might be on a platform that is higher than the level of the conference table where you will be sitting with your counsel and witnesses.

In addition to the judge you will see a hearing reporter, possibly a medical expert and a vocational expert.

The judge will review the evidence you have submitted and they will likely ask you questions about your condition, what kind of treatment you have been getting, what medications you are taking and whether or not you have been hospitalized.

The judge will also ask you about your physical limitations and how they impact your work. There will also be questions about your activities of daily living and what kinds of activities you do each day. The judge will hear testimony from your witnesses and other professionals or experts. Your attorney will get the opportunity to ask questions of these witnesses.

After the questioning is over, your lawyer will have the opportunity to make a closing statement.

What happens after the hearing?

You will most likely not hear the judge’s decision at the hearing. You will receive their ruling in the mail between three weeks and two months after your hearing. On rare occasions a judge may issue a bench decision and let you know whether or not they approve your application for benefits. However, you will still need to wait to receive notification in the mail before you will be able to start receiving benefits.

What happens if you lose?

If you lose your case, there is usually an opportunity for you to appeal the decision. If you want to appeal you will have to file your appeal within 60 days or you will lose your right to appeal the judge’s decision.

At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we here to help our clients throughout Memphis, Jackson and West Tennessee navigate the often complex Social Security Disability process. Please contact our firm to learn more about our services.