What happens during the hearing stage of the Social Security Disability application process?
At hearings for Social Security Disability benefits, you will have your opportunity to present your case for SSDI benefits in front of an Administrative Law Judge. An attorney is especially helpful during this phase of applications and appeals because he or she is an expert who knows the ins and outs of the system. This is your only opportunity to be in the presence of a person who makes decisions on the benefits claim. Your disability hearing is not the initial step in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits, and it won’t be necessary if your application was approved during the first stages of filing. The original review of your application is made by a disability examiner who is employed by the Disability Determination agency in your state. The next review stage is done by a second examiner of Social Security Disability benefits. This step is called Reconsideration. The hearing, then, is the third stage which occurs after your claim has been denied at Reconsid
