Want to know how to win your Social Security Disability hearing? There is no guaranteed way to win your hearing, but these tips give you the best shot. If you have any questions or want a free case evaluation, call Baltimore Social Security Hearing attorney Emmett B. Irwin by clicking here. For stats on Baltimore Social Security Hearing Judges click here.
4. There will be a Vocational Expert (VE) at your hearing to testify about your past work. So be ready with information about every job you’ve done in the past 15 years: how much weight you had to lift and carry, how long you had to stand all day, sit all day, etc. Basically the physical requirements of your job. The Judge will also give the VE at least one “hypothetical” – a description of a person that sounds like you who has physical and/or mental limitations. The VE will testify about whether this hypothetical person can do any job in the national economy. Most times, there are multiple hypotheticals and the judge will choose which one resembles you the most. It will sound like the VE is saying that you can work, but remember: the Judge makes the decision, the VE does not!
3. Lawyers who practice before the Social Security Administration are not allowed to charge fees unless Social Security approves the fee agreement. 99% of the time this means that a lawyer cannot charge you a fee unless you win retroactive benefits aka “back pay.” This fee is 25% of back pay with a cap on the fee of $7,200. Any lawyer that charges or accepts a fee that has not been approved by SSA is committing a crime! That means that you don’t pay a fee unless you win. Getting a lawyer increases your chances of winning a great deal, and you don’t have to pay up front. It’s a win-win.
2. Either the Judge or your lawyer will ask you questions in order to determine your “residual functional capacity” or RFC. That is just a fancy way of saying how much your disability affects your abilities. If you have a physical condition, for example, the Judge will usually ask you how much you can lift and carry. Try to give an answer in pounds. A gallon of milk weighs about 8 pounds, so can you lift and carry a gallon of milk? That is a good point of reference that the Judge will understand.
1. Your lawyer (if you have one) will ask you questions in the hearing, and the Judge will probably ask you questions. That’s it, there is no lawyer for the other side like on TV. But sometimes the Judge will ask you questions as if they are cross-examining you. So be well prepared!
These are just a few of the tips and tricks that a Baltimore Social Security Hearing Attorney will be able to share with you. A hearing is almost impossible to win without a good lawyer on your side. We know how to give you the best chance to win your Social Security Disability Hearing. We make the process easier and more transparent by preparing you ahead of time and getting the Judge all the evidence they need. Call us now!