A Social Security disability hearing is not a trial and it is not a "court." It is an administrative hearing before the US Social Security Administration. It will last about 45 minutes. Here are some common sense tips that may help you at your hearing.
1) Always tell the truth. It builds credibility and prevents disasters.
2) Never answer a question you don't understand. Ask that it be clarified or explained. Don't guess at it or make up an answer.
3) Use specific terms to answer questions concerning how long, how much, how often, how many....anything with the word "how..."
Example: Don't say "I can't stand very long." Say, "I can't stand more than about ___ minutes." Avoid, "I don't drive very much any more." Say, "I probably only drive about ___ times a week, or ___ times a month." Words like sometimes, occasionally, a little bit, not much, a whole lot, not very far...have no definite meaning and can mean different things to different people.
NEED MORE HELP? CONTACT A DISABIILTY ADVOCATE
- Arrive 1 hour early. Meet your representative 1 hour before your hearing. There are often things to sign and things to discuss. Never arrive "barely in time."
- Bring your photo ID, which is required to get in.
- Dress clean but casual. Don't dress up too much.
- Bring a list of your medications unless you have already provided it to your representative.
- Try to be calm. When you are calm you can think more clearly and answer questions more clearly.
- Never bring a "prop" such as a cane, brace, crutches, etc. unless you really need them and use them regularly. Judges see this as dishonesty and they hate it. The judge's first question will be, "Which doctor prescribed that?"
- Before the hearing, think about the specific symptoms that make you unable to work an 8-hour day on a regular basis:
- Difficulty standing or walking? How long can you stand/walk without severe pain?
- Difficulty sitting in one place for a long time? How long are you able to sit?
- Does pain interfere with your ability to concentrate or pay attention?
- Do you need to keep your feet elevated because of swelling?
- Are you bothered by persistent anxiety or depression? Be prepared to describe how you feel.
- Be prepared to explain how you spend an average day at your house. What do you do?
- Think about things you once were able to do but can no longer do: driving, cooking, taking walks, playing with the children or grandchildren, hobbies, etc.
1) Always tell the truth. It builds credibility and prevents disasters.
2) Never answer a question you don't understand. Ask that it be clarified or explained. Don't guess at it or make up an answer.
3) Use specific terms to answer questions concerning how long, how much, how often, how many....anything with the word "how..."
Example: Don't say "I can't stand very long." Say, "I can't stand more than about ___ minutes." Avoid, "I don't drive very much any more." Say, "I probably only drive about ___ times a week, or ___ times a month." Words like sometimes, occasionally, a little bit, not much, a whole lot, not very far...have no definite meaning and can mean different things to different people.
NEED MORE HELP? CONTACT A DISABIILTY ADVOCATE
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