What happens at a Social Security Disability hearing?

A Social Security Disability hearing is held before an administrative law judge (ALJ). It is informal — not a courtroom trial, and there is no jury — and it usually lasts under an hour.

Who attends. The judge, the claimant, the claimant's representative, and a hearing reporter who records the proceeding. A vocational expert (VE) usually attends, and occasionally a medical expert. See what a vocational expert does.

How the hearing runs.

• The judge opens the hearing, identifies the claim, and confirms what is in the record.
• The claimant is sworn in and testifies. The judge asks about work history, the conditions, treatment and medications and their side effects, and daily activities. The representative then asks follow-up questions to bring out the limitations.
• The vocational expert testifies about past work and about what work a person with a described set of limits could do. The judge poses hypothetical questions; the representative cross-examines.
• The representative makes a closing statement or submits a written brief on the key issues.

What the judge decides. The judge decides whether the claimant meets the definition of disability under Social Security's five-step sequential evaluation, based on the entire record, including testimony. The claim can be approved fully, approved in part — for example, with a later onset date — or denied.

After the hearing. The decision arrives in writing by mail, typically within about six to ten weeks of the hearing, although it can be longer. See how long a decision takes. Hearings can be held in person, by video, or by telephone; see the Savannah hearing office.

See hearing representation and how to prepare.