Once a Social Security Disability claim has been denied twice, claimants can request hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing generally takes place within 75 miles of the claimant’s home. Often, if there is not a Social Security Disability office within 75 miles, or if other hardships hinder you from attending in person, the hearing may be conducted by videoconferencing.

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presides over the hearing. Others involved in your hearing include you, your attorney or representative (if you have one), and witnesses. Often, at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your hearing will also involve a Medical Expert and/or a Vocational Expert.

During your Social Security Disability hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your file, ask questions about how your disability hinders you from performing any substantial gainful activity, and allow you to present any new evidence. You will also be allowed to review your file, question witnesses, and present other pertinent information regarding your Social Security Disability claim.

For many claimants, the hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) represents their best opportunity to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits. One reason for this is because your hearing is the one time you will have the opportunity to actually stand before a person who is responsible for making a decision on your case. Other Social Security Disability officials render their decisions based solely on the documents in your exhibit file. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will actually hear you tell your side of the story. Another reason that your chances for approval improve during your hearing is that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has more leeway to make subjective decisions on a case by case basis. Officials who make a decision on your initial claim and request for reconsideration have to adhere to a strict guideline.

Your chances for a successful hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) improve significantly if you attend in person. They are also considerably better if you hire a qualified Social Security disability attorney to represent you during the hearing.

What is the BEST?

The Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) is a set of questions on the Social Security Administration’s website designed to help you determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

It also helps you determine which specific Social Security Disability you are likely to qualify for.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes millions of disability claims each and every year. It is not surprising that it can take months or even years for the SSA to process a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Many applicants find the wait to be frustrating, wondering what can possibly be taking so long and why they have not received an answer regarding the status of their disability application. Contacting the SSA to get updates regarding your disability claim can help alleviate some of the frustration caused by this process.

Millions of people apply for Social Security Disability benefits every year. Unfortunately, an overwhelming 70 percent of applicants are denied at the initial stage of the disability application process. To make matters worse, more than 80 percent of applicants are denied at the reconsideration stage.

Millions of people in the United States receive Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Each year, millions more will apply for SSDI or SSI. Whether you are going through the Social Security Disability application process or are already receiving disability benefits from the SSA, you may, at some point, need to request a copy of your Social Security Disability file. Why would you want a copy of your records from the SSA and, more importantly, how do you go about obtaining a copy of the records you need?

Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year. It isn't a diagnosis that anyone wants to face. While some cases of cancer are easily treated, others are more invasive and take a significant toll on the individual suffering from it. The symptoms of the condition and the side effects of treatment often leave an individual unable to work.

Each and every year millions of people suffer from a variety of back injuries. Some injuries are mild in nature and often resolve themselves in a short period of time. Others, however, are much more severe. Back injuries resulting in a Ruptured Disc can cause excruciating pain and may have a severe impact on an individual's quality of life. It is common for an individual to be unable to work due to the symptoms caused by a Ruptured Disc. Without a means of income, bills can begin to pile up and medical expenses can become unbearable.

Social Security Disability - Eligibility

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Each and every year millions of Americans apply for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, about 70 percent of these applications will be denied. While many applicants will go on to successfully appeal the SSA's decision to deny benefits, the appeal process can take years to complete. This can mean years without a source of income, which can cause serious financial devastation. How can you avoid the lengthy Social Security Disability appeal process?

Each and every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes millions of requests for Social Security Disability benefits. Of these, a mere 30 percent are approved at the initial stage of the disability application process. The remaining 70 percent of applicants must go on to file an appeal in order to receive the Social Security Disability benefits they need.