A hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) is typically the second step in the SSDI application appeals process, following a reconsideration of an application. Our experienced New Jersey SSDI attorney is here to guide you through this process to make the hearing as easy on you as possible, and to give you the greatest chance of obtaining these important benefits on appeal. Read on to learn more about what you can expect at your hearing and how our legal team can help.
What Should I Expect at My Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing?
Government agency hearings that are like trials — in the sense that they require the questioning of witnesses and gathering of facts in order to reach a decision — require an official to oversee them. The ALJ performs this important function.
If you are granted a hearing before an ALJ, the ALJ will be someone who did not play a role in denying your initial claim.
When and Where Will My Hearing Take Place?
You have 60 days from the date of a decision to request a hearing before an ALJ. Once you file a request for an appeal, the amount of time it takes to schedule a hearing will be based on the SSA’s workload and whether your hearing will be in-person or by video conference. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will notify you of the date of your hearing.
SSA schedules most in-person hearings within 75 miles of an applicant’s home. However, your hearing may take place by video conference. This option may result in you having to travel a shorter distance to your hearing, and may enable witnesses — such as medical providers — to attend who otherwise might not have been able to travel far.
Why Do I Need An Experienced New Jersey SSDI Hearing Lawyer?
Having our experienced attorney representing you means that we can ensure that your hearing takes place as it is supposed to. We will ensure that you and any witnesses you have are well-prepared, that the ALJ conducts the hearing fairly and does not ask inappropriate questions, and that he or she gets all the information necessary to reach a fair decision.
Contact The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur For the SSDI Help You Need
The bottom line is that you should never attend a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge without a competent legal team in your corner. If you need help with any facet of the SSDI process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur for assistance.
