SSDRC

Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

How do you win disability benefits?

If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits?

How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?

What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits

Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of benefits

How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing

If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?

How much is paid for the Social Security Disability Attorney Fee?

Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process

How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?

Applying for disability for Fibromyalgia

Filing for disability with Degenerative Disc Disease

Can I Qualify For Disability on the basis of Depression?

Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability

What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Status

How to Prepare For a Social Security Disability Hearing

How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

The Social Security disability hearing is the last realistic hope of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits. In fact, if your disability claim is denied at the administrative law judge hearing, your representative is likely to advise you to begin the Social Security disability process again.

Although administrative law judge hearings (Social Security disability hearings) can be appealed to the Appeals Council, there is only a small chance the administrative law judge’s decision will be reversed at this level. Consequently, most individuals begin the Social Security disability process again while waiting for a decision from the Appeals Council.

Considering the importance of the Social Security disability hearing, you can see how important it is to be prepared. So what can you do to be prepared for your Social Security disability hearing?

Generally, it is good advice for you to retain the services of an attorney or non-attorney Social Security disability representative prior to your hearing.

You may thinking "why hire someone to represent me when I am so obviously disabled?" Keep in mind; you must be able to prove that you are disabled according to the rules and regulations of Social Security disability. And since most individuals applying for Social Security disability have no idea what rules and regulations govern the Social Security disability process, it is advisable to retain the services of a Social Security disability representative who is familiar with those rules and regulations.

Now what can you do to help your representative better serve you? Firstly, you need to be present and timely for you hearing, as most administrative law judges do not look favorably upon tardiness. Once at the hearing, you need to be prepared to answer questions posed by your representative, the administrative law judge, or a vocational expert with regard to your condition or conditions, work history, or even how you feel as to how your medical and/or mental conditions have prevented you from working.

If you prepare yourself for these types of questions and arrive on time, your representative will have a much better chance of helping you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.