The Disability Benefits Appeals Process: Hearing

As is stated on the Social Security Administrations website, you have the right to appeal any decision made by the administration in regards to your claim for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

If your initial claim for benefits was denied, you can appeal the decision by requesting a reconsideration. If you disagree with the decision that was made during reconsideration, you have the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

For help appealing your denied disability benefits claim, call 1-800-503-2000.

The second level of the appeals process is an ALJ hearing, which will be your best opportunity for winning disability benefits. Unfortunately, due to backlog, it can take a while to schedule your disability benefits hearing. If you need to or prefer to attend your hearing through video, this can speed up the process.

If you are not awarded benefits at this stage, there is a slim chance for approval later in the process. Because this stage should be taken very seriously, you should consider hiring a disability benefits lawyer who can guide you through the process and improve your odds for getting approved.

What to Expect at Your Hearing

Although most people expect that a disability benefits hearing will be similar to traditional court appearances, ALJ hearings are typically more informal and will last anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour. Despite this fact, you and any witnesses will be required to answer questions under oath.

You can expect that the judge will review the issues in your case and all of the evidence provided with it. He or she will also ask you and any witnesses, such as doctors or vocational experts, about your condition. You should make sure to submit any additional evidence as soon as possible before your hearing so that the judge has time to review everything.

While this can be an intimidating step in the appeals process, you attorney will make sure that you are well-prepared for your disability benefits hearing.

Our Phoenix disability benefits lawyers have years of experience helping clients appeal denied disability benefits. We will guide you through the entire process and help you get the benefits you need.

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