Your Social Security Disability Hearing is a very important event.
Here are some tips to think about before you testify before the Administrative Law Judge.
Believe it or not most Social Security Judges want help you relax and get the best information they can from you.
- Do not argue. The Administrative Law Judge is not to blame for delays, past denials, or for your illness.
- Answer the question. Being vague does not help your case. It depends, not very often, not very long. These answers do not give the Social Security Judge a clear picture of your limitations. It is okay to estimate. For example, I can walk down to the school before the pain becomes too much. It is about 2 blocks away.
- Do not exaggerate your problems, but do not down play your pain and limitations. The Administrative Law Judge can tell if you are not giving an accurate picture of your problems. I have seen people testify and give the impression that everything is pretty much okay. If this was the case, then why did you file a Social Security Disability case and allege you could not work.
Remember the hearing is your chance to put a human face on your medical records. Make sure the Social Security Judge understands clearly what is happening to you each day.
Questions about your Social Security case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.