Supplemental Security Income

FAQ: Should I Be Nervous about My Disability Hearing?

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It is natural to be nervous about your Social Security Disability hearing.

It is a court proceeding; a lot is riding on the outcome, and you do not know what to expect.

Let me reassure you that you do not have to be overcome by the circumstances.

The only people in the hearing room will you, the Administrative Law Judge, the hearing monitor, and the Vocational Expert.

There is no jury, and no attorney fighting against your disability.

The Administrative Law Judge has reviewed your medical records and file. She will ask you questions about your limitations and your daily activities.

The Judge will also question the vocational expert about possible jobs you could perform.

You may also question the vocational expert.

The key is to remember that you need to explain clearly to the Administrative Law Judge how your problems keep you from working.

You must also get the vocational expert to testify to the limitations that would keep you from being able to work.

Questions about your Social Security Disability claim? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Why Did My Neighbor Get Her Social Security Hearing Already?

Dirk May Denial, Help, Law, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income


Yes, it still takes a long time to get your Social Security Disability hearing.

Close to 16 to 18 months from time of filing to hearing.

You probably have heard of someone who claims to have had an earlier hearing. Your neighbor or the guy in the doctor’s office. Of course, you cannot believe everyone.

But, some people are found disabled earlier in the process. This is done at the Department of Human Services level. This would happen anywhere from 2 months to 6 months after the original disability application.

Other people have applied for a faster hearing due to hardship. This means that they are being evicted, are homeless or are losing their home.

You can also ask your Federal legislator to get involved. They will ask the Social Security Office to see if they can speed up your hearing.

The bottom line is that the Social Security Hearing Office is the only one who has the authority to schedule your Social Security Disability Hearing. Your lawyer, your Legislator, or the claimant has no ability to force the office to schedule your hearing.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability Hearing Tips

Dirk May Denial, Help, Law, Lawyers, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income


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.