Six Disability Hearing Tips
Social Security Disability hearings can be nerve-wracking. There’s a lot on the line. Your financial future could depend on the outcome of this proceeding ― and how well you answered questions. Now is not the time to wing it.
The McDonald Law Firm Disability Team understands how stressful this process can be and what’s at stake. In an effort to improve your odds of obtaining much-needed benefits, we offer Six Disability Hearing Tips:
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.
You have probably been waiting a long time for this day. The worst thing you can do is go into your Disability hearing unprepared.
Know your medical records backwards and forwards. Be ready to list the names of your doctors and medications. Be able to provide important dates, like surgeries and hospitalizations. Be prepared to give specific examples of how your condition impacts your ability to work and your day-to-day living.
Did you miss Christmas with your family because you were too sick from chemotherapy treatments to get out of bed? Are you unable to hold your baby because of severe back pain? Does painful arthritis make basic tasks, like washing dishes or opening mail, impossible?
Paint a picture for the Administrative Law Judge presiding over your hearing. It may be helpful to practice answering questions from friends, family or your attorney beforehand. Expect the unexpected and don’t get caught off-guard.
Arrive early.
One way to sink your case before it starts is to be late. Most Administrative Law Judges are on a tight schedule and don’t tolerate tardiness. Find out where you are going the day before, figure out how long it will take to get there and allow plenty of time for unforeseen traffic delays and parking. Do whatever it takes to get there on time.
Silence your cell phone.
Don’t forget to turn off your phone. Social Security Disability hearings are serious business and shouldn’t be interrupted ― especially by loud ringtones blaring the latest chart topper.
Talk slowly and clearly.
Because the hearing will be audio recorded, it’s important to speak slowly and clearly. It’s also important to answer “yes” or “no,” rather than nodding or shaking your head. “Uh-huhs” also do not translate well. You will probably be nervous, but try not to talk at the same time as anyone else, especially the Judge. Wait for the question to be completely asked before you begin your answer.
Be honest.
It is imperative that you tell the truth. Administrative Law Judges hear hundreds of cases a year. They can tell when someone is “pouring it on.” If the ALJ thinks you are exaggerating your symptoms, you could lose credibility. If the ALJ doesn’t believe you, you will likely lose your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Be honest. Make eye contact. And remember, you are under oath.
Have qualified legal representation.
An experienced Disability attorney can make the difference between winning and losing your Disability hearing. While the Social Security Administration does allow you to represent yourself at your Disability hearing, it is generally not in your best interest to do so. Statistics show that people who are represented by a Disability attorney have a greater chance of success than those who go it alone.
People often don’t seek legal help because they assume they can’t afford it. Social Security Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t collect a dime unless they win your case. Even then, their fees are capped by the federal government and come out of the award, so you don’t pay anything up-front.
The skilled attorneys at McDonald Law Firm are well-versed in all aspects of Social Security Disability law. We will prepare you before the hearing so you will feel comfortable testifying. We will also make certain that the Administrative Law Judge has all of your medical information and knows our position and arguments before the hearing. We have found that this greatly improves your chances of winning and makes things go smoother.
We hope you found these six Disability Hearing Tips helpful. The McDonald Law Firm Disability Team has helped thousands of people get Disability benefits and we would be pleased to help you, too. If you need help filing or appealing a denied Disability claim, call us today at 877-568-8413.
