{"id":353916,"date":"2023-06-13T17:26:01","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T22:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/what-happens-at-a-disability-hearing.html"},"modified":"2026-03-02T16:35:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:35:28","slug":"what-happens-at-a-disability-hearing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/what-happens-at-a-disability-hearing.html","title":{"rendered":"What Happens at a Disability Hearing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What Happens at a Disability Hearing?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

What happens at a disability hearing generally depends on the case’s complexity. The hearing usually involves claimant, witness, and expert testimony. It’s important to prepare for answering questions about your condition at the hearing.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your disability claim, you can appeal up to four times. The first appeal happens at the reconsideration level. This appeal focuses on reviewing your paperwork and doesn’t involve a hearing.<\/p>\n

If your reconsideration appeal is denied, the second level of\u00a0appeal<\/a> is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You must request an ALJ hearing 60 days from the decision date. Considering that wait times for a hearing are sometimes longer than 12 months, you will have some time to prepare for your hearing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article discusses the disability hearing process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/a> claims. You’ll learn about what to expect at the hearing.<\/p>\n

You may also want to prepare for your hearing with a disability law attorney<\/a>. Getting professional help can protect you against mistakes during the hearing.<\/p>\n

When and Where Will My Hearing Take Place?<\/h2>\n

You will receive a notice from the SSA at least 75 days in advance. This notice will tell you the hearing’s date, time, and place. The place could be a phone call or in person at a hearing office. You can also choose to appear via online video from a private location, or you can visit an SSA facility and use their devices to attend via video teleconference.<\/p>\n

You may be able to expedite your hearing if you\u00a0waive the 75-day notice requirement<\/a>. You should also return SSA’s requested forms as soon as possible. To check the status of your hearing request, you can create and log into your online Social Security account.<\/p>\n

Suppose you do not wish to appear at your hearing. In that case, you must file a\u00a0Waiver of Your Right to Personal Appearance Before an Administrative Law Judge<\/a>. The ALJ will then decide your case with only the evidence in the file.<\/p>\n

How To Prepare for Your Disability Hearing<\/h2>\n

It is important to prepare as much as you can for your hearing. Preparation can mean the difference between another denial or approval of\u00a0Social Security disability benefits<\/a>.\u00a0The ALJ hearing level typically has a higher approval rate than the initial or reconsideration levels.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips to help you\u00a0prepare for a successful hearing.<\/p>\n

Consider Appointing a Representative<\/h3>\n

If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider appointing a\u00a0disability representative<\/a>\u00a0to handle your claim for Social Security disability benefits. This is either a disability lawyer or a non-attorney representative. Disability representatives are experts at evaluating your medical evidence<\/a> to make a strong case for disability for the ALJ.<\/p>\n

Review Your Evidence<\/h3>\n

It may be wise to review your evidence before the hearing. This will help refresh your memory about important and relevant details like medical treatments. It will also help you remember some of the first symptoms you had leading to your medical condition diagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To get a copy of your claim’s evidence, you can contact the Social Security hearing office. It can transfer the records to you electronically through your online SSA account.<\/p>\n

Prepare Your Testimony<\/h3>\n

Consider how you will present your testimony at the hearing. Be honest and concise. Focus on how your disability affects your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.<\/p>\n

Arrive Early<\/h3>\n

If your hearing is in person or by video at an SSA facility, arrive at the hearing location at least 15 minutes early. This time will let you find the correct room and get comfortable before the discussion.<\/p>\n

Call the hearing office as soon as possible if you miss your hearing. You may have to show you had “good cause,” or a legitimate reason, for not appearing. The ALJ may dismiss or reschedule the hearing depending on whether you showed good cause.<\/p>\n

Stay in Touch With Your Representative<\/h3>\n

Contact your lawyer or representative after the hearing. They can help to explain the outcome and any next steps. You may need to file another appeal if your appeal is denied<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Could Hurt My Disability Claim?<\/h2>\n

A few statements could work against your interests, such as:<\/p>\n