How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability Hearing
Do you have an upcoming Social Security Disability hearing and you don’t know what to do?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today, I’m going to talk about certain considerations that you may want to make when preparing for your Social Security Disability hearing.
1. If You Don’t Have a Lawyer, Get a Copy of Your File
If you don’t have a lawyer, be sure you obtain a copy of your Social Security Disability file from the Social Security Administration. You’ll want to review that file to ensure that all of your medical records and other evidence are included in the file for the judge’s review.
2. Gather and Submit Additional Evidence Early
If there is any additional evidence that has not yet been submitted, gather it and submit it to the Social Security Administration prior to the hearing. This may include updated medical records, statements from doctors and other professionals, and testimony from family members and friends. Medical records are critical in disability cases.
3. Prepare Your Testimony Carefully
When thinking about your testimony, consider how your condition affects your daily activities, your ability to work, and your quality of life. Remember to always be honest and not to overstate or understate your limitations.
4. Dress Appropriately
When it comes to dress, you want to make sure you’re dressed in clean and comfortable clothing that’s appropriate for the hearing. You want to make a good impression upon the judge and show that you’re taking the hearing seriously.
5. Consider Hiring an Experienced Disability Attorney
You also may want to consider hiring an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to help you. Attorneys can review all of the medical records, ensure that all medical records are collected and submitted in a timely manner, prepare you for what to expect in the hearing, and help to ensure all relevant testimony is provided during the hearing.
6. Arrive Early for In-Person Hearings
If you have an in-person hearing, it may be worth it to show up a little bit early to allow for expected delays such as traffic or difficulty finding parking. This also will give you time to get comfortable with the hearing office and your surroundings.
7. Prepare for Remote Hearings
If your hearing is taking place via Microsoft Teams, make sure that you have downloaded the software onto your computer, tablet, or phone and that you have access to the link to the hearing in your email inbox.
If your hearing is by telephone, make sure your phone is charged and you have a quiet location where you’re by yourself and where you have good phone reception to conduct the hearing. Additionally, if you are attending your hearing by phone and you have a hard time holding the phone to your ear for extended periods, instead of putting the phone on speakerphone, you may want to consider using a Bluetooth headset.
8. Show Respect to Everyone Involved
During the hearing, be sure to show respect to the judge and anyone else involved in the hearing process, including the vocational expert and any other witnesses. This can also help to show that you are taking the hearing seriously.
9. Follow Up After the Hearing
After the hearing, follow up with your attorney or representative to ensure that any additional information or evidence that the judge requested is submitted. This can help to ensure that the judge has all of the information necessary to make an informed decision.
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
