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What to Expect at a Disability Appeal Hearing

According to the Ultimate Social Security Disability Guide, 64.8 percent of Social Security disability applications are denied after the initial application and reconsideration. The next step in the appeal process is a hearing with an administrative law judge.

  1. Types

    • Four types of appeals are available after the initial application is denied. These include a request for reconsideration, a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), an appeals council review, and a district court case.

    Time Frame

    • A Social Security disability appeal hearing with an ALJ typically takes an hour.

    Geography

    • A Social Security disability appeal hearing with an ALJ is typically within 75 miles of the applicant's home at a regional Social Security Administration (SSA) office. In some instances, the hearing may be held via video conference.

    Hearing

    • During the hearing, the ALJ will question the applicant, representatives and expert witnesses about specifics of the case, such as work history and how the disability prevents gainful employment. The applicant or the applicant's representative has the right to cross examine witnesses.

    Decision

    • A decision is not made at the hearing. A notice is sent after the ALJ reviews the evidence, and is typically received by the applicant within two months after the hearing.

    Appeals

    • If the applicant disagrees with the decision made by the ALJ, an appeal must be filed with SSA within 60 days of the date on the notice.

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