What Kind Of Questions Will The Judge Ask You?

Judge asking questions during a Social Security Disability Hearing

At a hearing, the Judge will be looking to see whether or not you can engage in “substantial gainful activity.” The Judge will ask you questions about your disability and the way that it affects your life such as: how much pain you are in, which parts of your body hurt the most, and how that pain affects your ability to work and do other normal activities, like driving or sitting comfortably. They want to know whether or not the disability has had a significant impact on your ability to enjoy life the same way that you used to.

Be sure to practice answering questions like these questions before your hearing. The best way to answer a Judge’s question is by answering directly. Judges ask specific questions because they want specific answers. They have very limited time to conduct hearings and they want answers quickly so that they can make their decision.

What Is An Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a professional, who is hired by the Social Security Administration. They will offer testimony regarding their professional opinion about how your disability will affect your work. There are two types of expert witness that will be likely to be at your Social Security Disability hearing: a Medical Expert and a Vocational Expert.

A Medical Expert is a doctor or other medical professional that is experienced with the type of disability that you have. They will be able to give testimony about whether or not someone with your particular medical condition(s) is likely to suffer from the symptoms that you claim to suffer from.

A Vocational Expert is someone that is very familiar with the types of work that you have done throughout your career. They will be able to examine your symptoms and tell the Judge whether or not you are physically or mentally capable of doing the types of work that you have done in the past.

It is important to remember that the experts are hired by, and paid by, the Social Security Administration. This does not mean that their testimony is always going to be against you, but it does mean that they are not necessarily “on your side” either.

Should You Hire a Lawyer For Your Hearing?

SSD Lawyer meeting with couple going over what to expect during a social security disability hearing

If you hire a lawyer, they will be physically by your side at a hearing. Hearings can be very intimidating and the Judge and expert witnesses will probably not be on your side. Remember, if you are at a hearing, it means that you have already been denied twice, so the Judge needs a good reason to give you an award. Having a lawyer there will ensure that you have someone on your side, fighting for you. You are twice as likely to get a favorable decision if you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer during your claim for benefits. Read more.

Do You Need Help With Your Social Security Disability Hearing?
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Why Hire Us?

RI SSD Lawyer meeting with couple going over what to expect during a social security disability hearingIf you have a disability that keeps you from working for at least a year, you might be able to get Social Security Disability Benefits. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in RI and MA have been handling these kinds of claims for years and they charge no fee unless you win your claim and you receive past due benefits. Call our toll free number or fill out a contact form on our website for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.