A disability hearing can happen when you decide to file an appeal after your disability benefits claim was rejected. Many people wonder what to expect at these disability hearings and how to prepare. Understanding what usually happens at a disability hearing can be helpful. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to ask a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal attorney for help.

Vital Information to Know About Disability Hearings

Attending a disability hearing can be understandably intimidating for various reasons. You will be expected to defend your need for disability benefits before a judge. However, this may not happen right away after your disability benefits application is rejected.

There are several levels of appeals for disability benefits that start with reconsideration and then move up to a hearing by an administrative law judge. Reconsideration offers the opportunity to have your disability benefits application re-examined by a different reviewer or medical team. This requires less work on your part, depending on how many changes you want to make to your application.

If your disability benefits application is still denied, then you can request a disability hearing where you can defend your claim. Many people imagine this being like a courtroom when in reality these hearings often happen in an office. Since the pandemic, many of these hearings have been done virtually so you could do yours at home.

The most important information to know before your hearing is that you will be expected to argue your side. Be prepared by collecting as much additional evidence as you can, including updates concerning your disability. Having witnesses and experts testify on your behalf can also increase your chances.

What to Expect at the Disability Hearing

In terms of what to expect during a disability hearing, you may attend the hearing in person or virtually. At the hearing itself, you will be talking with an administrative law judge. The judge may ask you and any witnesses you asked to attend questions about your disability.

A judge can also request witnesses and experts in the medical or vocational fields to testify. This may or may not challenge your disability claim. The good news is you and a disability lawyer can also ask these witnesses questions.

The most important thing to know about what to expect is that you will be expected to defend your need for disability benefits. This means proving with evidence and logic that you have a disability that prevents you from earning a basic income. Submit any evidence you have to the appropriate location.

Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have any questions about this process. An experienced lawyer can help you defend your claim to increase your chances of disability benefits.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

Going through the process of filing an appeal related to disability benefits can be tedious. Ask a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer about your options if your disability claim was denied. Start by calling Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about what steps you can take. Our team of attorneys can work with you to find ways to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.