Your Social Security hearing date is rapidly approaching and you are experiencing trepidation about what might happen on one of the most important days of your life. You would like to know how your attorney or representative is preparing.
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 other than to update your file. You should keep your attorney or representative’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 or representative’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 representative’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 representative will thoroughly review your case to determine whether there is adequate evidence to prove your case. Your representative 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.
