What should I know before my disability hearing?

Preparing for a disability hearing is important because a lot can be on the line but it is also helpful for the disabled applicant not to worry about it which is why it is useful to know what to anticipate. A disability hearing may be the first step in the application process or may follow a denied review of the disabled individual’s application depending on the state they are in. Knowing how to handle the disability hearing is valuable information for the applicant for disability benefits to have.

To begin with, it is, of course, important for the disabled applicant to be truthful during the hearing and not exaggerate their symptoms. Because eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits is based on the disabled applicant’s medical condition and their work history, as well as their inability to work because of their disabling medical condition, questions about both their work history and medical condition may be asked during the disability hearing. The disability hearing will be conducted by an administrative law judge.

Information the disabled applicant should be prepared to receive questions about during their disability hearing include information related to their medical condition, the amount of pain they suffer and the medications they take; their medical history and the medical care and treatment they are receiving; their physical and mental abilities; their daily activities; their employment history; their training and education; and the disabled applicant’s work history.

When the disabled applicant is prepared for what to expect during their disability hearing in advance, it may help with any anxiety they have associated with the process. It is important to prep for the hearing but to also understand the overall application and appeals process associated with disability claims which are oftentimes initially denied. Resources are available to help disabled individuals fight for the oftentimes much-needed benefits.