What should I expect at my hearing?

As a general rule of thumb, you should arrive at the Social Security hearings office a half hour prior to the time of your hearing. We will meet you in the waiting room and most often, if you have any questions we will have a few minutes to go over your case with you prior to going into the hearing room. Social Security hearings are rather informal proceedings. At the start of your hearing you will be asked to take an oath. Next, most judges will start with an explanation about procedural matters of the hearing. The hearing will then proceed most often with an opening statement from your representative and then the Judge and/or your representative will ask you questions. Others present at the hearing will include but are not limited to a hearing reporter, a vocational expert and in some cases medical experts. The hearing will conclude once all questioning and expert statements are complete. Typically, the Judge will not announce what his/her decision is at the hearing. You will be notified via mail of the decision