Our social security lawyers in Tennessee cannot emphasize this enough: being prepared at your Social Security Disability hearing is crucial to the success of your claim. Below are a few important insights to take note of before your day in court.
Questions
You’ll typically be asked a number of standard questions about your background (age, education, living arrangement, financial situation, etc.), your past 15 years of employment, the daily activities you can accomplish, and your disabling conditions. Typically, this is the longest set of questions, as the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will want to thoroughly assess the extent of your disability. These questions can include what medical treatment you’re receiving, procedures you’ve had, the degree of pain you suffer, and limitations to your physical activity.
Be Honest
When responding to questions posed by the ALJ, the best way to approach your answers is with honesty. Some claimants feel that if they exaggerate their symptoms, they’ll have a better chance of winning their claim. However, in most situations, this actually detrimental to their case. ALJs hear hundreds of cases each year and can usually identify when a claimant is magnifying the truth. If your ALJ doesn’t think the information you’ve provided is credible, you’ll likely lose your claim for disability benefits.
Time Limitations
You may have been waiting for what seems like an eternity to finally be heard in court, but the amount of time you are granted with the judge is minimal. Most hearings will be concluded within an hour, some in as little as fifteen minutes. Due to the brevity of the hearing, you must make sure that your answers are concise, clarifying, and respectful. Although we understand the frustration this process can incite, lashing out at the judge will only hurt your case, and you need to use your limited time wisely in order to convey your point.
Ultimately, the best way to prepare for your hearing is to talk to an experienced attorney. The Law Offices of Kenneth Miller & Associates are seasoned professionals when it comes to these situations and can help walk you through the process. If you’re looking for a social security lawyer in Tennessee, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
