Posted on February 5, 2010.
What is a Social Security disability such as hearing? Compared to other legal proceedings, Social Security Disability hearings are considered much less formal. They look nothing like what you might see a Court TV show (God thank you). However, these hearings are a serious matter especially when you consider what is at stake, a person's social security disability benefits.
The hearing is conducted by an administrative judge (also called "ALJ"). Also present in the courtroom will be attending the hearing judge, the experts, the judge asked to be present, and you, of course, your social security disability lawyer. Sometimes, your disability attorney Call family members or even friends as witnesses, if we believe it is necessary, but this is rare. The experts, usually the judge will have a professional expert (an expert in different types of jobs and what skills they need physically), and often a medical expert to provide further testimony.
Before the hearing on Social Security, your disability lawyer will probably submitted your updated medical records and testimony of conscience, he has developed on your behalf. Sometimes it is not possible and talk to your attorney disability administrative judge of the medical certificate is outstanding. In addition, before the hearing, your attorney will meet with you and describes how the hearing will proceed, the nature of the questions you will be asked, and what we are trying to prove.
Since the beginning of the hearing, it is customary for a lawyer and administrative judge to hold a discussion on the nature of the case and the procedural issues that must be addressed. These discussions often include a large number of social security or legal gibberish that are not clear. Do not worry. Your Social Security Disability lawyer will have explained these issues in terms of common sense in advance.
At this point, either the ALJ or your lawyer can assure you of disability and you begin to ask questions. While there are certainly exceptions (I'm sorry to say), most ALJs are very fair and will hear your case with an open mind. They do not try to fool you or put words in your mouth. You must answer each question honestly and to the best of your ability, keeping in mind the theme of your case that your lawyer has it developed.
After testifying, the ALJ will rely on medical experts and professional witness. If your SSDI Lawyer is experienced, it will be a good idea of what they will be asked and how to cross examine. Thereafter, depending on how the case met and the individual ALJ, your disability attorney can give a closing argument.
In most cases, the administrative judge did not announce his decision at the end of the hearing. Again, if your SSI disability lawyer has enough experience, he will be a good idea of how the administrative judge will decide. The written decision must come from 2-6 weeks after the hearing. If all went well, your benefits must be received back 2-12 weeks after that date. One last point about the benefits, you make double the Prosecutor shall calculation. You want to be sure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to!
