Hearings

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY HEARINGS

If you are scheduled for a hearing regarding disability benefits with the Social Security Administration, you need to be prepared. New York Social Security disability attorney Richard R. Rowe provides his clients with the representation they need to pursue their disability benefits. If you are scheduled for a hearing, call today to see how Mr. Rowe can help you.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY HEARING

If your Social Security benefits have been denied and you are facing a hearing about that decision, Richard R. Rowe can represent you. Once your request for a hearing has been granted, you will appear before an Administrative Law Judge, who will make an independent decision on your case by reviewing evidence and testimony presented at the hearing.

To prepare for the hearing, you should do the following:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to allow for unexpected travel delays.
• Check in with the receptionist and security guard. The guard will inspect your bags and run a metal detector over you and anyone with you. Do not bring any weapons to the hearing.
• Review last-minute issues with Mr. Rowe. He will likely be in a designated room reviewing your file. Once you arrive, he will go over any pressing issues and answer questions you may have.

When the judge is ready, a hearing assistant will guide you and Mr. Rowe to the hearing room. Only you and Mr. Rowe can go to the hearing itself. No other persons will be allowed at the hearing.

THE HEARING

The hearing will take place in a small conference room. The judge will sit at the bench, while a hearing assistant records the matter from another table. If there are any experts present, they will sit at that table as well. You and Mr. Rowe will sit at a separate table and face the judge. Mr. Rowe will have a computer in front of him. Everyone will have a microphone in front of them, except the hearing assistant.

The judge will state the he or she is not bound by any prior denial of a claim, and can give a new decision on the matter. Testimony is given under oath, so you will be asked to swear or affirm that you will tell the truth. The judge and Mr. Rowe will go over various issues, and then you will be asked questions. The judge usually begins questioning, and Mr. Rowe can ask follow-up questions. These questions are mostly related to your background, such as your age, level of education, and work history. Questions specific to the claim include the reason for the disability claim, any medical treatment you have received, and the limitations that have arisen from the disability.

QUESTIONING EXPERTS

Once you have answered all the questions, the hearing will either be over or, if there are experts present, they will be questioned. Two types of experts are sometimes called to appear:

• Medical experts. These are doctors who specialize in the area of your specific disability. They do not examine you. Instead, they review your medical record and provide an opinion on the limitations you may have from the disability.
• Vocational experts. They will discuss your past work experience and what, if any, skills may be transferable to other jobs. The judge presents hypothetical situations that involve your limitations, and the expert tells the judge if there are any jobs you can do given these limitations.

Both the medical and vocational experts may be cross-examined by Mr. Rowe. After all the testimony is taken, the judge will end the hearing. The judge’s decision will come several weeks later.

QUESTIONING EXPERTS

New York Social Security disability lawyer Richard R. Rowe can provide the guidance you need to navigate the Social Security Disability claims process. Mr. Rowe has years of experience representing a variety of clients before the Social Security Administration. He will analyze your file, prepare your case and testimony, and represent you at the hearing. Call us today at (631) 285-6500 or contact us online for a free consultation.

• Claims Process: Filing a Claim & the Initial Determination
• Claims Process: Request for Hearing