The final resolution of many Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications occurs after an Administrative Law Judge’s hearing. These Administrative Law Judge Hearings offer SSI applicants a chance to plead their cases before a neutral third party. Additionally, working with a local SSI attorney can help you present your case in an organized and effective way.
Unfortunately, a hearing is only possible after a long waiting period. Claimants must submit an initial application and at least two appeals before they can speak to a judge. Nevertheless, a Buckhead SSI hearing can be your best chance of success for pursuing monetary benefits and Medicaid enrollment.
When is a Hearing Necessary?
An Administrative Law Judge’s hearing is the final part of many claims for SSI. Every claimant who receives at least two denials from the Social Security Administration (SSA) has the right to demand a hearing.
A person who fails to provide information about their health, work history, and current finances with their initial application will likely be denied SSI. The SSA maintains a list of automatically qualifying conditions that meet the medical requirement for disability, but most applicants do not suffer from these debilitating impairments.
The next step after a denial is to request an appeal, which usually entails sending a case back to the original SSA officer with some updated information. Because the file is essentially the same, it is unlikely that an initial appeal will be successful.
Finally, after an initial appeal fails, a claimant may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. A request for a hearing should include more medical evidence, a list of current prescription medications, and a complete employment history. This process can be lengthy, and many Buckhead SSI hearings occur more than two years after an initial application.
What to Expect During a Hearing
An SSI hearing is a formal court proceeding but does not typically take place in a traditional courthouse. Most sessions take place in conference rooms which are closed to the public. Parties to a hearing typically include:
- A claimant;
- The judge;
- A hearing officer who records the session;
- A translator if needed;
- An attorney for the applicant; and
- A vocational expert who testifies to the claimant’s work abilities.
Every judge conducts hearings differently. However, they usually ask an applicant to describe their medical conditions, how those conditions affect their ability to work, and their day-to-day life. A disability attorney can help direct the testimony but cannot testify themselves. It is essential to have a complete file of medical information on record to make the judge’s understanding of the case as clear as possible before the hearing.
Hearings typically take around one hour to complete. Afterwards, a judge may request that a claimant provides additional information but will usually issue a ruling within three months. A Buckhead SSI hearing usually results in a positive outcome for an applicant.
Learn More from an Attorney about the Benefits of a Buckhead SSI Hearing
Attending an Administrative Law Judge’s hearing for SSI may seem like an intimidating prospect. However, these sessions are usually your best chance of obtaining monetary benefits and Medicaid. A judge’s hearing can offer you a chance to plead your case in-person to a neutral third party.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to wait over two years for a hearing, and they must keep their files up to date during the waiting period. Professional Social Security disability representatives can help maintain your files, ensure that information gets to where it needs to go, and even attend these sessions to strengthen your case. Call today to learn more about the process of a Buckhead SSI hearing.
