Possible Questions Asked at Your Orlando Social Security Disability Hearing
If you applied for Social Security disability and you received a denial, you will need to attend a hearing to pursue the benefits you deserve. Understandably, you may be nervous when preparing for your Social Security Disability hearing. Many clients want to know what questions they will be asked and how the hearing will work. When you retain our firm as your Orlando Social Security Disability attorney, we will help you every step of the way.
There may be some questions we cannot fully anticipate, but some questions are almost always asked at every disability hearing.
Questions About Your Past Work
The Administrative Law Judge will most assuredly ask about your past employment. They want to know about your work history for the past 10-15 years. You won’t be necessarily drilled on dates as they will have all your earnings records. They want to know what the mental and physical requirements were for each position you held. Were you expected to lift anything? If so, how much weight? How long did you stand on your feet every day? How much walking was involved? The ALJ will inquire about what training you needed for these positions. They will also ask about the physical and mental difficulties you encountered in each position as well.
What Your Daily Life is Like
Don’t be shocked if the ALJ asks about your day-to-day life. They want to know what your typical day is like. What you do from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep. They need to understand how your disability affects everything from getting dressed to household chores. Do you go grocery shopping on your own, do yard work, or need assistance with them?
Your Current Mental and Physical Conditions
Your current physical and mental conditions are where the ALJ may focus a majority of their questions. They want to know what is happening today and how your health affects your ability to work right now. You can discuss all your ailments and how each one impacts your work. They may ask detailed questions, like how far you can walk now or how long you can sit. They want to know about your limitations on various tasks, like lifting your arms above your head or how well you can climb stairs.
Regarding mental conditions, the ALJ will ask about your ability to work around others, how well you can follow instructions, etc. Do you have problems with concentration or memory problems? Do your mental health conditions affect your attitude toward supervisors, and how well do you take criticism of your work? They may also ask about your alcohol and drug use. If your file indicates any problems with alcohol or drug abuse in the past, they will want to know more about this.
Contact an Orlando Social Security Disability Attorney
The topics mentioned herein are not the only things the ALJ may inquire about during your hearing. However, these are some of the main areas that questions will come from. If you need assistance pursuing Social Security Disability benefits, let us help. Contact the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. today to schedule an initial consultation.
