Preparing Answers with a Charleston Social Security Disability Lawyer

Getting approval for a Social Security Disability claim is challenging. Aside from being able to present important documents that can prove your claims, another important part of the process is the hearing. The questions asked can range from basic questions such as your name to specific details like the exact date of your last hospital visit.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that only questions about their medical history will be asked, and as a result are often unprepared for the actual questions. While the rule is to always be honest about your answers, it is important to remember that there are some questions that need a more elaborate explanation while others would suffice with a simple yes or no. Knowing how to properly answer the questions will be a big determinant for the court’s final decision, which is why it’s important to consult an experienced Charleston social security disability lawyer beforehand.

Most judges would often start with routine questions like your name, age, address, height, and living arrangements. These questions may seem ordinary and unnecessary, but these can actually help in proving certain conditions. For example: someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s may get their age wrong. A good Charlotte social security disability attorney, like one from Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, will also guide you through “trick questions”, such as if you are capable of driving or cleaning the house. Answering yes for these can mean that you are still capable of working as a driver or janitor. Instead of just saying yes, explain what difficulties you encounter when doing these chores as well.

After the routine questions, you would most probably be asked about your work history. You can be asked about the number of hours you had to do for each work, what type of jobs you did, what strenuous activities you participated in and how often you interacted with other people during your work. Through these questions the judge will be able to assess the skill set that you possess, as well as your limits and capabilities.

Remember that it is important to prove that you are no longer capable of working, or doing any of the previous jobs that you did. If, for example, you used to do simple and non-physically strenuous work like desk jobs, then you must prove that you are no longer capable of doing that. You must be specific in what made those jobs hard for you and what encounters you had while working because these can eventually help support your claims. Let a skilled lawyer from Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law guide you to the best outcome.

Sources:

(Why do they ask all of those questions at social security disability hearings?, February 18, 2015)