Your Social Security Disability hearing will last approximately one hour.
Most Administrative Law Judges will not tell you their decision at the time of the hearing.
This is because the law requires that the decision about your disability be in writing.
It usually takes about 30 to 45 days for the decision to put in writing and mailed to you. However, there are no set timelines within which the Judge must issue a decision. If the time seems to be unusually long you can contact the hearing office and ask for the status of the decision.
The decision will either deny your disability, grant your disability, or give you a partially favorable decision.
A partially favorable decision means that you are granted disability but with a different onset date than you alleged in your application.
Or it can mean that you were disabled for a period time but are now able to work.
If you disagree with the Judge’s decision you can appeal it the Appeals Council.
The Council acts much like a court of appeals.
It will usually takes 12 months for the Appeals Council to rule on your appeal.
If you are denied, then you also have the right to reapply for Social Security Disability benefits in most cases.
Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.