Social Security Disability Advice Group

i have my hearing on the 2nd and im sooo nervous any advise would be great

Just stay calm as you can and answer all questions truthfully.Also my attorney said to just dress casual and don't dress up.Good luck! Do you have an attorney?

The advice I've read online:

1. don't wear jewelry or make up

2. don't overdress; just clean comfortable clothes - no tank tops

3. give yourself a dry run to see how long it takes to get to the ODAR office and arrive 15 minutes earlier than your attorney tells you just to be sure

4. be very respectful to judge and attorney

5. don't elaborate too much; just answer the attorney's and judge's question briefly and succinctly

6. be honest; don't exaggerate your condition but don't minimize it either

7. google and obtain more advice from blogs and other forums

8. take your medicine as you normally would

9. ask permission if you feel the need to stand up or move around or adjust self.

10. don't be surprised if you tear up some; it's perfectly normal and judges/attorneys understand

Hope these suggestions were helpful

Good luck

~maria

yes i have an attorney he said thre same thing, but im so afraid they will deny me since they did the first time, i have solid medical records and a very supportive dr statement ive been waiting 2 yrs for this hearing i just hope theydont say no... i know the wait for my answer is gonna kill me

If I can survive the wait so can you. It has been a three weeks since my hearing and the judge gave my attorney 2 weeks to send him my personnel records. So I have a long wait ahead of me. I tell myself it will take at least 5 weeks but to expect closer to 8 weeks to receive the letter; just a ballpark figure, really.

Just keep busy and focus on other important things in your life and time will pass quicker, imo.

I'm new to this group and wanting to learn a little more about the hearing process. I first applied 2/15/2010, and it has taken two years to get to this point - I now have a hearing scheduled for April 5th. I am so worried over the whole thing. Finances have been very tight during this time, and I feel so badly. It's almost certain I'm going to get highly emotional during the hearing.

I've had another diagnosis since I applied - in addition to osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and anemia, I also have rheumatoid autoimmune disease, which has literally kicked me in the butt. Does anyone know if the ALJ will take that into consideration as well?

My attorney sent the ALJ everything pertinent to my case. If you have additional information that would be helpful then I suggest giving it to your attorney. Good luck

Everything that was posted by Mixedbipolar is great advice! Neat, and Clean, and be yourself.

Be truthful, dress normal (no short, Tee, or flip flops. Sandals I think is OK. I want say not to put your make up on if you wear it. Of course you don't want to over do it, but be yourself. It not as bad as we think. I felt the same (scared) even though I was told by the member not to be. They were right. Good Luck

PS Check with your atty to make sure your new medical records were faxed in.

Post edited by: Realityworld, at: 03/29/2012 04:18 PM

Well great news my hearing was april 2nd, and social security called me on the 9th and set up my direct deposit, and my decision letter came yesterday. it only took a week to get an answer!!! my payments start may 16th but i get my back pay in the next 3-5 days! the hearing was not as scary as i pictured, i was honest and just answered the question without going on about it, thank you all for your input!!!! Im sooo thankful for my lawyer he was great and i am really glad it only took a week!!!!