Your Social Security hearing date is fast approaching and you are experiencing anxiety about what might happen on one of the most important days of your life. You wonder “am I prepared,” but more importantly, you wonder “is my attorney prepared?”
During a Social Security disability case, no matter whether it is a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case, there is a long period to wait before going before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for your hearing. Nationwide the average wait time for an ALJ hearing is about 12-15 months.
During the waiting period for a hearing there is not a lot to do on our case since Social Security rarely takes action prior to a hearing. You should keep your attorney’s office up to date on your condition and any new medical treating sources the office may not be aware of considering the long wait time for a hearing.
Once the hearing date is set, this is usually about three months prior to the actual hearing date, your attorney’s office will go about requesting and collecting all of your relevant medical records to submit to the ALJ prior to the hearing date. It is very important your attorney’s office is aware all of your medical treating sources, since medical evidence is the major player in winning or losing a disability case.
As your hearing date approaches, your attorney will thoroughly review your case to determine whether there is adequate evidence to prove your case. Your attorney will meet with you directly prior to your hearing to discuss any questions you may have and to address any questions the attorney has about your conditions, work history and medical treatment.
The old Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” is crucial not only for your attorney, but also for you as a disability claimant to ensure the best possible outcome.
