What to Expect

Disability Hearing Overview

Randolph Baltz, Attorney at Law will help you prepare for your hearing to determine your Social Security Disability benefits. Below is a brief overview of what you can expect.

• First, do you know where the hearing is and how to get there? Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early. If you do not attend, the judge may dismiss your case or hold your hearing without you.

• The hearing is very simple and informal. You do not need to dress up and can essentially wear your everyday clothes.

• A Social Security hearing is generally 45 minutes long and is not held in a courtroom. We will all sit at a table in a private, ordinary room with the doors closed. It will be you, your attorney, the judge and a court reporter.

• You do not need to "rest up" or do anything special in advance. We just want to see you on an average day with your current health troubles.

• You should have someone drive you to your hearing, if possible. You should bring your medications or at least make a list of them.

The hearing will begin with the judge and your attorney asking questions of each other, then you will be asked several background questions, such as:

• What are your name and address?
• What are your height and weight?
• What are your age and date of birth?
• What is your education level?
• How many children do you have (if any)?
• Are you married?
• Do you have a driver's license?
• Can you read and write?
• Have you had any recent jail time?
• When did you last work or what was your last job?

Next, we will ask about your work history, including:

• What are the main jobs you have held in the last 15 years or more (that you held for at least six months)?
• What is your typical workday? Did you lift or carry anything on a regular basis?
  

After your work history, we will discuss your medical problems. The questions will generally include:

• What is each of your impairments?
• How long have they lasted?
• How do they affect or limit you?
• What makes you feel better or worse?
• What medications help or not?
• Who are your doctors?
• How long can you sit, stand and/or walk?
• How much can you lift?
• How do you spend your day?

All in all, it is a lot like going to your doctor and telling them everything that is wrong with your health and why you cannot work. Many of the questions are similar to ones you already answered in the forms you filled out for your application.

If you have any further questions, call (501) 374-6800 or fill out our  online form to request a call back.

The Dos and Don'ts of Social Security Hearings

• When you fill out your application form, do not overstate what you do as part of your daily living activities.

• When you apply for Social Security Disability/SSI, you will be asked to describe your past work history for the last 15 years. Do not overstate what your duties are or what is your title. Also, do not understate the physical demands of your jobs.

• Do fill out a list of all the doctors you have seen and/or hospitals you have been to. You will not have to give the exact dates; the approximate dates are sufficient.

• Do make a list of all of your medical problems whether they are big or small to you.

• Do not dress up for your hearing.



• Finally, do not go to your hearing without an attorney.