HOW TO WIN YOUR DISABILITY HEARING

Most disability claims end up in court before a federal Administrative Law Judge.

It can be a complicated, confusing and overwhelming event. You must prepare your hearing months in advance to have a chance to win.

How do you win?

1. Hire an experienced disability advocate or attorney.

2. Be honest with your attorney. Give him/her all the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly.

3. Show up on time for your hearing.

4. Don't minimize your symptoms. Tell the judge what hurts, but keep it simple and brief.

5. Be able to explain why you had to quit your last job.

6. Be polite. Don't cry or get emotional at the hearing.

7. Describe how your activities of daily living are restricted by your medical problems.

If you get an attorney, he/she will assist in getting medical records, preparing and submitting evidence, writing legal briefs, asking for favorable on-the-record decisions, meeting deadlines, and handling inquires from the judge. You will be prepared in advance of your hearing so you will know what to expect. If you win your case, you may receive retroactive pay, from which your attorney's fee will be paid. The fee is usually 25 percent of retroactive benefits with a cap. If you do not get any retroactive pay, your attorney will waive all fees and your representation was at no cost to you.