Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits allow qualifying individuals to receive monthly payments because a disability or medical condition has prevented them from working. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), “you must have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Disability. People under the age of 24 may not need to have worked as long.” Those who have met the work history requirement must also demonstrate that they have a disability that interferes with their ability to work for one year or more in order to qualify for SSDI benefits.
If you believe that you may qualify for SSDI benefits, you can complete an application and submit it online or by setting up an appointment with an SSA agent. The SSA will review your application, work history, and medical records to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits. If the SSA notifies you that your application has been denied, you can appeal this decision, at which point the case goes through a process called “reconsideration.” If you are denied after reconsideration, you may present your case before a judge at a hearing. Moreover, even if the judge denies your claim, you still have 60 days in which to file another appeal. Simply put, a denied SSDI application does not signal the end of your journey. Enlisting the guidance and support of a highly qualified and trusted Michigan SSDI attorney to help you prepare for the SSDI hearing, or to explore your options for appealing a denied SSDI application at any point in the process is highly recommended. Let’s take a look at how to prepare for a Social Security Disability hearing so that you can navigate this process with greater confidence and certainty.
Understanding the SSDI Hearing Process in Michigan
The SSA recognizes that applicants have the right to appeal an SSDI denial. According to the SSA, “You have the right to request an appeal of any decision Social Security makes on your case about whether you are entitled to Social Security benefits or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” Once you receive notification of your application’s denial after reconsideration, you have 60 days in which to request a hearing, which can be done online, by mail, or by calling your local Social Security office for assistance in requesting an appeal. The SSA’s hearing office will then contact you to inform you of the upcoming process and provide instructions for submitting any evidence that relates to your hearing request. The evidence you plan to use at the hearing must be submitted at most five days before the hearing. On the date of the hearing, you may appear with a legal representative or represent yourself before an Administrative Law Judge. It’s important to recognize that you and any witnesses will be under oath, and you can provide evidence of your disability (i.e., medical records, medical expert statements, or other relevant sources). The judge will issue a written decision based on the evidence presented. However, even if the judge denies your application, you have the right to file a request for review with the Appeals Council. Preparing for an SSDI hearing can seem overwhelming and daunting, so many people find it helpful to work with an experienced and caring SSDI attorney to ensure that they are fully prepared for this important event.
Common SSDI Hearing Questions
During an SSDI hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will ask you questions about your disability and how it affects your ability to work. It’s helpful to work with your SSDI lawyer to prepare for these questions so that you can provide clear and effective responses that support your case. Although the exact questions the judge will ask will vary from case to case, some of the most common questions include topics like the nature of your disability, how it interferes with your ability to work, whether you take medication as prescribed by your doctor, and any other considerations about your disability and its effects on your ability to earn a living. While the prospect of answering serious questions in a formal setting may seem intimidating, it’s important to remember that your SSDI attorney can attend the hearing to support you during the process. Additionally, your lawyer can work with you beforehand to ensure that you are ready to answer the judge’s questions thoughtfully and effectively when the time comes.
Learn More About How to Prepare for an SSDI Hearing
Feeling prepared for an SSDI hearing allows you to move through this process with greater confidence and ease. One of the most important steps you can take as you prepare for an upcoming hearing is to discuss your case with a highly qualified and knowledgeable SSDI attorney. This experienced legal advocate will be able to help you identify and compile compelling evidence in support of your claim and identify any legal issues that might prevent you from a successful claim ahead of time so that you do not go to the hearing unprepared. For instance, you can work together to gather medical records, get a statement from a medical professional who can explain how your disability prevents you from working, and other documents or evidence that justify your request for SSDI benefits. It’s also important to understand that the judge may call a different medical expert to interpret your medical history. Your attorney can cross-examine any witnesses who may be claiming that you can still work or that the nature of your disability is not interfering with your livelihood. No matter how your SSDI hearing unfolds, you can rely on your dedicated SSDI attorney to support you at every turn and advocate for your best interests.
Get the Disability Benefits You Deserve
Coping with a denied SSDI application is understandably stressful and discouraging. However, a denial does not automatically mean that you can never secure the benefits you deserve. If you need help exploring and understanding your options for appealing an SSDI denial in Michigan, reach out to a caring and trusted SSDI law firm for assistance.
If you have questions about your SSDI eligibility or if you are wondering what options you have if your application has been denied, the dedicated and caring legal team at Warren & Schairbaum PLLC is ready to assist you. We encourage you to call our Ann Arbor, Michigan office today at (734) 769-9300 to discuss your concerns with an experienced SSDI attorney.