If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDISocial Security Disability Insurance is a payroll tax-funded federal insurance program of the United States government. It is managed by the Social Security Administration and designed to provide income supplements to people who are physically restricted in their ability to be employed because of a notable disability.) or Supplemental Security Income (SSISSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. We pay monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI.) and been denied twice, you are approaching most important meaningful stage in the Social Security benefits process: the Social Security hearing. In this video, Hoglund Law Social Security disability attorney Andrew Kinney explains what happens at your Social Security hearing, and why your hearing is such a critical step in your benefits claim.
The Social Security disability process has multiple appeal levels. The initial application is first. If you are denied at this level, the second next step is reconsideration. Unfortunately, most applicants are denied again at this second level. That’s where the hearing stage comes in. Unlike the earlier steps, which rely heavily on paperwork and medical consultants reviewing medical records without interacting with you, the hearing is your first opportunity to directly explain your medial issues and limitations.
A Social Security benefits hearing before a federal Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is relatively informal compared to traditional legal proceedings. Most hearings are conducted by phone or video. Some may also request to appear in person. The hearing is led by the ALJ, whose role is to evaluate your disability benefits claim based on both the medical treatment evidence and your testimony.
The hearing typically begins with a discussion about your recent work history. The ALJ will ask about the jobs you’ve held in the past, usually focusing on the last five years. This helps establish the type of work you’ve done and how you did them.
After covering your employment background, the focus shifts to your medical condition. This is the heart of the hearing. You’ll be asked to describe your health issues in detail—what conditions you have, how they affect you, and why they prevent you from maintaining full-time employment. For example, if you suffer from chronic back pain, you may need to explain whether you’ve had surgery, how effective it was, and what symptoms persist. Do you experience pain radiating down your legs? Are you limited in your ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods?
The ALJ will ask you how your medical conditions impact your daily life. This includes your ability to do things like household chores, running errands, driving, or even engaging in hobbies. These everyday activities provide important insight into your functional limitations. This helps the ALJ assess how your health impacts your day-to-day life.
Another key part of the hearing involves a vocational expert. Near the end of the hearing, the judge may pose hypothetical questions to this expert, describing a person with limitations like yours. Based on different sets of limitations, the vocational expert will decide whether there are any jobs in the national economy that such a person could reasonably perform. It’s important to note that Social Security does not consider whether you could work from home or with special accommodations from an employer. The legal standard is whether you can perform competitive, full-time work under typical conditions.
Once the hearing concludes, ALJs usually do not announce their decisions. Instead, hearing decisions typically come in the mail within two months or so. Hearing offices can vary.
Ultimately, the Social Security hearing is your opportunity to bring your case to life. It allows a judge to hear directly from you about your unique struggles and limitations. This detail can make a significant difference how well the judge understands your limitations.
Our lawyers at Hoglund Law Offices help clients across the country get approved for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits. No matter where you live, you can call us at 888-373-8806.