What Will My Hearing Be Like?

Many people get very nervous in anticipation for their Social Security Disability hearing. For a lot of people, it is the first time that they have been in front of a judge. After two years of waiting it makes sense to be worried about this last, final step of the process.

The good news is that the hearing is actually the easiest, and most relieving part of the entire process! The hearing will consist of you, your lawyer, a Judge, a hearing monitor, and a vocational expert.  The hearing monitor runs the recording equipment and the vocational expert classifies your past work and provides answers to the Judge’s hypothetical questions at the end of the hearing.

The hearing is divided into four parts. First, the Judge will ask your lawyer some basic procedural questions. Second, the Judge will ask you about the physical demands of the jobs that you’ve had in the last 15 years. Third, the Judge (or your lawyer, depending on the Judge) will ask you all about your life right now. Finally, the Judge will ask the vocational expert to classify your past work and provide some jobs a person with some of your limitations could do.

The questions are all very easy and the process is informal. It’s more like a casual conversation than the courtrooms you might see on TV. You don’t need to know dates, or medical terminology, or anything like that. The questions will be like “at your last job, what was the heaviest you had to lift?” or “what sort of chores do you do around the house?” The hearing is really just a way for the Judge to get to know you and your perspective on your limitations.

But My Neighbor…

One of the most common complaints that people have about the Social Security Disability process, and one of the most common sources of frustration for people applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, is the story of that one guy that everyone knows who’s on disability but has nothing wrong with him. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend of a friend, or a cousin, almost everyone has heard about someone who doesn’t seem to be disabled but who is getting monthly benefits. These stories are especially frustrating for people who have applied and been denied despite having a more severe condition.

However, these stories are often not entirely true, and there could be several possible explanations for why someone who seems undeserving is getting benefits while someone who deserves it has to fight so hard.

There are many conditions that are not readily or visually apparent. Kidney or liver disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and every mental condition are just a few examples of conditions that a person might have but that others may not be able to see or that they may not feel comfortable sharing with someone other than their doctor.

Another very important thing to remember is that Social Security Disability Benefits are not awarded merely based on how sick you are. Social Security Benefits are based on whether you meet the strict legal definition of “disabled,” which is based on your ability to work moreso than your medical condition.

This is why it is so important to have an attorney represent you through the entire process. An attorney will be able to present your case in a way that demonstrates that you are legally disabled, rather than conventionally disabled.

Contact our Grand Rapids office today for a free consultation, located here in Kent County in West Michigan.

Social Security Disability Lawyer Located in Grand Rapids Michigan

There are many reasons why one might need a Social Security Disability Lawyer. With the stresses and strains that we are required to put on our bodies these days, Americans are becoming more injury prone than ever. No matter your reason, you want to make sure you are able to get financial support for your disability so that you are able to protect you family, financially. Social Security

Social Security Disability can be a difficult and scary thing to pursue, there is no reason to try alone.

Don't hesitate and contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer ASAP for assistance. Mr Russell is located in Grand Rapids Michigan, located right in West Michigan.

We service Kent, Allegan, Ottawa , Muskegon, Kalamazoo.