Facing a Social Security Disability hearing can be a daunting experience, but being prepared can make a significant difference. One crucial aspect of preparation is knowing the types of questions you might be asked during the hearing. Here are the 10 most common questions asked in a Social Security Disability hearing:
- Over the last 15 years, what job titles have you held, and what were your job duties?
The judge wants to understand your work history to assess your vocational background and the skills you possess. This information helps the judge determine if your disability affects your ability to perform jobs you’ve previously held or any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
- Are you currently working or in school?
The judge needs to know if you’re currently engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is work that involves significant physical or mental activities for pay or profit. Being engaged in SGA can affect your eligibility for disability benefits.
- Why did you stop working?
Knowing why you stopped working provides insight into the circumstances surrounding your disability onset and how it impacted your ability to maintain employment. It helps establish a timeline for when your disability began affecting your work capacity.
- Why can’t you work now?
This question allows you to explain the specific limitations and symptoms of your disability that prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Providing detailed examples of how your disability affects your daily life and work-related tasks strengthens your case.
- What are your diagnoses?
Understanding your medical diagnoses helps the judge assess the severity and complexity of your condition. It also provides context for the medical evidence and treatment you’ve received.
- What treatment are you receiving?
Describing your treatment plan demonstrates your efforts to manage your condition and improve your health. It shows the judge that you’re actively seeking medical care and following prescribed therapies.
- What are your physical and/or mental limitations?
Detailing your limitations provides a clear picture of how your disability impacts your ability to perform physical tasks, concentrate, interact with others, and handle stress. This information helps the judge evaluate your functional capacity.
- What is your current living situation?
Your living situation can affect your ability to manage daily activities and access necessary support. For example, living alone versus with a caregiver may influence the level of assistance you require due to your disability.
- How do your impairments affect your activities of daily living?
Describing how your impairments impact activities like personal care, household chores, and social interactions helps the judge understand the practical effects of your disability on your daily life and independence.
- What are your hobbies?
While seemingly unrelated, discussing your hobbies can provide insight into your interests, abilities, and any adaptations you’ve made to continue pursuing activities despite your disability. It humanizes your experience and adds depth to your testimony.
By providing in-depth answers to these common questions, you provide the judge with a comprehensive understanding of your disability, its impact on your life, and the efforts you’ve made to manage it. This thoroughness strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a favorable decision in your Social Security Disability hearing. Working with a knowledgeable disability attorney
