Preparing for a Disability Hearing

The Social Security Disability claims process can be discouraging. Most initial claims for benefits are denied. Claims submitted for reconsideration are also commonly denied. Individuals who wish to pursue their claim further must again appeal their case and go before an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Often this is the most critical step in the review process because it is the ONLY time you will get to go face to face with the decision-maker.

Feel free to schedule an initial consultation by contacting our Chicago Social Security Disability lawyers online today for help preparing for your SSD hearing. You may also call our firm directly at 847-299-0008 to learn more about our services.

Your ALJ Hearing: Are You Prepared?

Many people underestimate the importance of their disability hearing and, as a result, are not adequately prepared. Our attorneys at The Law Offices of Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. , are dedicated to helping disabled individuals in Illinois obtain the disability benefits they are entitled. Therefore, as an integral element of our comprehensive representation, we provide legal counsel that ensures our clients are prepared for this critical hearing. In our northern Illinois region, the ALJs are located in hearing offices in Evanston, Oakbrook Terrace, Orland Park and downtown Chicago.

Know What To Expect At Your Disability Hearing

Having practiced exclusively in the area of Social Security Disability law for more than 40 years, our lawyers have thorough knowledge of the process and we can prepare clients for what to expect at the ALJ hearing.

• Extent of disability: Although the administrative law judge will have already reviewed your case, the ALJ hearing provides opportunity for the judge to ask you questions about the extent of your disability and the limitations you regularly face. This is to determine the severity of the disability and if your condition is a permanent disability or is expected to last at least 12 months. The ALJ may also bring in doctors to help provide opinions on the extent of your medical limitations. Our lawyers can prepare you for the types of questions that are typically asked, how to answer them effectively and, when necessary, can cross-examine the government’s experts.
• Impact on your ability to work: The judge may ask questions pertaining to your limitations and how those limitations have affected your ability to work. The judge may pose hypothetical scenarios and defer to vocational experts regarding occupations that you may be capable of, given your medical condition. As experienced Social Security Disability attorneys, we know how to effectively counter the vocational expert in cross-examination.

Contact A Chicago-Area SSDI And SSI Attorney: Free Consultations

For experienced representation from an attorney with proven success in handling disability hearings, contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. We have helped countless disabled clients obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. From offices in Des Plaines, Chicago, Libertyville, Winfield and Joliet, we serve clients throughout northern Illinois.