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Preparing for your Social Security Disability Hearing

If you’ve become disabled and are no longer able to work, Social Security Disability can be a crucial resource for you and your family. Yet many eligible applicants have their claims denied. If your claim is denied, you can request reconsideration – and most likely, you will need to attend a Social Security Disability hearing. Understanding the steps and documentation involved in this hearing can make a difference in the outcome of your claim.

The Frank Jenkins Law Office is ready to help when you need to appeal a denial of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-WRECK or contact us via email.

Social Security Disability hearings are overseen by an Administrative Law Judge from the Social Security Administration, the judge’s assistant, your attorney, medical or vocational experts and any other witnesses. Each case is different, but you can prepare for your hearing by completing the following steps:

  • Keep a diary – record everything you do from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to sleep.  Record how well and how long you sleep, any pain you suffer and how you cope – naps, medication, etc. Note all medicines you take, including times and dosages.
  • List all activities that you used to do but can no longer perform – this includes hobbies, sports, and any spare time activities.
  • List all medications – include the name of the medicine, who prescribed it, the dosage, how often you take it and any side effects.  For any medicine you take “as needed,” note in the diary how and when you took it. This list can help illustrate how your medical condition has progressed or if your doctor has had difficulty in managing your condition.
  • Write a description of your employment duties on former jobs you held, including the most recent – write out all duties for jobs within the last 15 years including the most current.
  • Meet with your attorney – bring all of this information with you to review with your attorney. This will help you and your attorney prepare for the hearing.

Most hearings take between one to two hours, during which you will be asked to testify about the following:

  • Your medical condition – your symptoms, pain, and how your condition interferes with your mobility or ability to perform basic activities such as working, driving, standing, walking, etc.
  • Your medical history – how often you see a doctor, your current treatment and medication, as well as symptoms and treatment since the onset of your condition.
  • Your physical abilities – how far you can walk without resting, how long you can sit or stand during an eight-hour day, whether you can use your hands for repetitive motions such as pushing, pulling, typing, etc. Also any restrictions such as allergies or dizziness may be discussed.
  • Your mental abilities – how well you understand and can remember or carry out instructions, make decisions and respond to work settings.
  • Your education and training – how far you went in school, any military or vocational training and any on-the-job training.
  • Your work experience – your work duties on your last job and any jobs within the last 15 years.  You may be asked how much time you spent sitting, standing, lifting or any other activity during your previous jobs.
  • Your daily activities – how you spend your time from morning to night, including your sleeping and eating routines, and any activities you perform around the house.

The legal staff of Frank Jenkins Law Office has more than 15 years of experience helping injured Kentucky residents – our knowledge and familiarity with the Social Security Administration can help you get the benefits you deserve – and we will keep you updated at every step along the way.

The Frank Jenkins Law Office will conduct a thorough assessment of your claim and review all available options to build a strategy with your best interests in mind. We understand that living with a disability is difficult enough; you don’t need to worry about how you are going to obtain the benefits you need. We will meet with clients in our office, in the hospital, or at home if necessary.

Your right to justice shouldn’t be compromised because of concerns over payment. We handle most cases on a contingency basis*, which means you pay nothing up front and will only pay an attorney fee when we settle or win your case.

If you need help with your Social Security Disability claim, contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office today at 1-800-CAR-WRECK or contact us via email.

*COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT