The 10 Most Common Questions Asked in a Social Security Disability Hearing

Every Administrative Law Judge in a social security disability hearing will have a different way of conducting his or her hearing. The questions listed below offer a glimpse into a typical disability hearing. They are not exhaustive and will likely lead to more questions depending on the individual’s circumstance.

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1. Over the last 15 years, what job titles have you held, and what were your job duties?
2. Are you currently working or in school?
3. Why did you stop working?
4. Why can’t you work now?
5. What are your diagnoses?
6. What treatment are you receiving?
7. What are your physical and/or mental limitations?
8. What is your current living situation?
9. How do your impairments affect your activities of daily living?
10. What are your hobbies?

If the disability claimant has an attorney present at the hearing, the attorney will likely follow up with additional questions intended to support the claim. It’s a good idea to review the above questions prior to the hearing and consider how the answers, taken under oath, can support or hurt a disability claim.

Disability hearings may look a little different due to COVID-19, to learn more about what a hearing may look like during the pandemic check out this blog post.