Making Your Social Security Disability Appeal Hearing A Success
Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants end up being denied after they apply for benefits. Instead of giving up, applicants are encouraged to take their case before an appeal hearing officer. You can have a more successful appeal experience and raise your chances of success if you prepare well and know what to expect. Read on to find out more.
Prepare Well for Your Hearing
You may only have a few weeks to prepare for the hearing, depending on how backed up the hearings are in your area. This event is important, but it's not as formal as a court hearing. The hearing is presided over by an administrative law judge, in most cases. The most important thing you can do to get ready for the hearing is to speak to a Social Security lawyer as soon as you get the denial letter in the mail. This type of lawyer can help you in several ways:
- Your denial letter likely listed a reason for the denial. Whether the reason is clear, however, is questionable. Social Security lawyers are experts at understanding what went wrong with your application and making things right.
- Often, the SSA needs more information about your medical condition or your inability to work at a job. Social Security lawyers know how to provide the hearing officer with the missing piece of the puzzle that results in an approval of benefits.
- During the hearing, vocational experts are on hand to provide the judge with information about jobs and economic information. However, these experts are not experts on your medical condition or ability to work at jobs. That is where your lawyer comes in. You can expect your lawyer to challenge bad decisions and wrong job or medical information provided by the vocational expert.
What Else to Know About the Hearing
These hearings may not be formal, but they can still be nerve-wracking for applicants that just want to get payment to help with their disabilities. You can expect your hearing to be held in a large conference room that is not open to the general public. Make arrangements for their care if you have children but you can bring any support people you wish into the room with you. In most cases, you will be questioned by the judge and your own lawyer but not by the vocational expert. Your lawyer will be by your side to assist you in answering the questions.
To find out more, speak to a Social Security lawyer today.
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