Who will be present at my hearing?

Many people question who will be present during their disability hearing. The good news is its a closed hearing and is not open to the public. There are a select few individuals who are always present and a few other witnesses or experts that maybe required or requested.

In a typical hearing you will have the number holder who is applying for benefits and their representative if they choose to have one. Also present is the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to hear your claim and the hearings operator. The hearings operator assists the Judge during the hearing and also records the testimony and transcribes it.

Vocational experts (VE’s) are also normally present for adult hearings, and can either testify in person or via telephone. A Vocational Expert has 2 jobs during a hearing. First the Vocational Expert will classify all jobs performed at a gainful level during the past 15 years. They will put on the record the Dictionary of Occupational code for the jobs performed and also note the exertional level and skill level of jobs performed. Their second job is to find jobs within the physical and mental limitations posed from the individuals impairments based on hypotheticals of individuals of same age, education and work history presented by the Administrative Law Judge and your representative.

Medical experts (ME’s) are also sometimes required to determine if an individual meets or equals a listing. A Medical expert may also testify to their medical opinion of the individuals physical or mental restrictions.

Occasionally a friend or family member of the number holder can testify at the hearing upon request of the individual and the Judges approval. If the number holder is a minor, generally both the child and parent will testify.

The Law Offices of Lyle B. Masnikoff and Associates, PA has helped thousands of clients get Social Security Disability. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to receive benefits, we would love to discuss your case and explain all of your available options. Please give us a call at (877) 817-4127 or visit our website.