If your disability benefit claim was denied at the reconsideration stage, you may request an Administration Law judge hearing. The purpose of this hearing is for the ALJ to make an accurate decision whether you are totally disabled and the extent of your disability which means you are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.
The success of this hearing depends how much additional information you are able to provide that proves your disability is going to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Before the Administrative Law Judge hearing date you should submit new medical evidence that you would like the ALJ hearing judge to consider. Make sure you submit this information as soon as possible to the administrative law judge presiding over your case.
What You Should Bring to an ALJ Hearing
The denial letter should explain why your claim for disability benefits has been denied. This gives you the opportunity to find additional medical evidence such as the results of your latest medical tests that provides more proof that your medical condition prevents you from working in any type of job.
A recent statement from your doctor confirming the severity of your medical condition may help the ALJ reach a favorable decision. If you haven’t submitted a residual functioning capacity (RFC) assessment carried out by your doctor which shows the state of your physical and mental capacity then you should consider getting this done by the Administrative Law Judge hearing date. Any new evidence should be submitted to the ALJ 5 days before the date of the hearing.
Asking family or friends to act as witnesses confirming your medical condition may help your claim too. The ALJ will be quite prepared to question your witnesses at the hearing.
As well as providing new medical evidence you should prepare some answers to some questions that the ALJ is likely to ask you. Preparation for a hearing will avoid you getting too flustered during the hearing and you will be ready to provide honest, accurate answers when the ALJ questions you. Some examples of preparing for the hearing:
- describing the nature of your disability;
- being able to explain the physical limitations of your disability;
- describing your employment history;
- explaining how your disability affects your ability to work;
- explaining how the disability affects other areas of your life
- describing any other education or skills you have.
Before the hearing date you should seek assistance from an attorney who knows and understands your situation and who will help you compile suitable additional evidence to support your claim.
Where Will My Hearing Be Held?
The SSA will notify you of the time, date, and location of your hearing. ALJ hearings generally last from about 30 minutes to an hour.
Get Assistance with Your Disability Claim
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