How to Respond to Questions in an SSDI Hearing

SSDI hearings happen when an initial claim application for SSDI benefits is rejected. In order to proceed with an SSDI hearing, however, the applicant needs to apply for an appeal in a timely fashion or they may lose out on the chance to further state their case.

What Happens In a SSDI Hearing?

Typically, an SSDI hearing has a judge who presides over it. This judge is the individual who questions the applicant as well as any witnesses to the applicant’s medical status who may respond to queries regarding the disability.

How Should You Respond to Questions Asked in an SSDI Hearing?

One of the first rules of an SSDI hearing is that the applicant must respond to the questions asked, without deviating too much from the point.

Here are some helpful rules:

• Listen carefully and attentively; if not sure, ask the judge to repeat question.
• When replying, make it relevant to the question asked. Provide details, but do not go off-topic. This might come across as you trying to shield something or not speaking the entire truth.
• When panicked, it is easy to lose track of what is being discussed or specifically asked. Stay calm, pay attention and respond to the questions at hand. You could be allowed to take notes, if needed and if it helps you.
• Try to avoid using terms like ‘somewhat’, ‘a little’ or ‘too much’, etc. Instead, provide information in terms of figures like ‘My hearing is reduced by 70%’ or ‘My touch sensitivity is increased by 40%’, etc.
• If asked about abilities, be clear in terms of being able to carry out something, or doing it with assistance, or being unable to carry it out at all.

Examples of providing relevant responses to possible questions in an SSDI hearing:

• • Question: Can you sit up without problem?

Possible Answer: My hip pain surfaces after an hour of sitting and turns to a sharp, throbbing ache in about 30 minutes more. Any more time, and I have to lie down as the ache turns into a shooting pain.

• • Question: Can you use a computer keyboard?

Possible Answer: My finger joints do not permit coordinated movement. I can use a single finger to punch out things, but it takes me 10 minutes to type out a very short sentence.

• • Question: Where would you say your back pain is located?

Possible Answer: My medical records say, between the Thoracic 3 ^rd and 4 ^th vertebrae.

Why You Need an Attorney When Filing for Disability

The prospect of a life-altering disability can be daunting to the strongest of human beings. Combine this with a fear of courtrooms and anything vaguely police-related, and you have a situation that is totally conducive to disasters. A professional can help arm you with information and understanding about the hearing such that you no longer need to fear it or the questions. You will also be better prepared.

Not all questions in an SSDI hearing will be valid and warranted. There is a chance there could be some that are not pertinent or relevant to the case at hand. While this may happen unwittingly, it is important for the applicant to stay calm and not panic or get distracted. This can negatively affect the outcome of the appeal.

Instead, hiring a professional Social Security Disability lawyer allows the applicant to prepare for the hearing and understand what is expected by an SSDI judge. It helps to remember that an SSDI hearing is not the same as a normal civil court hearing. As a result, chances of a win can be vastly improved by being prepared for it.

At Legal Rights Advocates, PLLC, we help clients who are facing disability and preparing to live with it with dignity and independence. Our team of attorneys, over the years, has helped countless clients understand financial aid programs like SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid better while successfully applying for them.

If you are interested in learning more about disability insurance, call us at (855) 254-7841 for immediate assistance.