Appealing a denial of benefits
Since most Social Security disability claims are denied at the application stage, and again after reconsideration, it is common to then proceed to an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Fortunately, the success rate at appeal hearings is much better, and most claims are granted at this stage.
Appeal hearings are informal, and are generally held in a small office room with a conference table. The main people in the room are you, your Social Security disability attorney, the judge, and an assistant to the judge. You may also bring along some witnesses, but the witnesses may be kept waiting in another room.
This is not like a court case, so there is no “other side” arguing against you. It is simply the Administrative Law Judge trying to learn about you and your disability.
This is an extremely important hearing because the results of this hearing will determine whether or not you get an award of Social Security disability benefits. Your Social Security lawyer is familiar with these hearings, and will guide you through the process.
