When many people initially apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is not uncommon for their first claim to be denied. If this happens to you, you need to prepare to go before a judge through the appeals process. The judge will listen to your argument and determine whether or not you will receive benefits. You may wonder what you will have to say when you go before the judge. Here are some things you can be asked.
You Can Be Asked About Your Life
The judge will want to know more about your personal history. This may include questions about what you like to do, your general interests, the role you play in your family dynamic, and the like. The judge will be listening to discern your lifestyle before you were injured and your lifestyle of today to determine how differently you have to live as compared to before.
You Will Be Asked About Your Career
The judge will ask different questions related to your career and job functions. You will need to explain the job you had before your injury and the nature of any jobs you had prior. He or she will want to know the filed in which you worked, how physical your duties were, and whether or not you are able to do the same job today in your current state of health.
When you are answering the questions from the judge, it would be helpful to have on hand the percentage of movement type and requirements for your job. This is a breakdown of how much time is spent on your feet, lifting items over a specific weight, bending, and so on. You can obtain this information from the human resources department if you do not already have it.
You Will Be Asked About Your Disability
The judge will also ask about your disability. Be prepared to explain the onset of the disability and how it happened. You will also need to discuss any treatments you currently receive as well as those you have received in the past and explain how they are or are not helping you. You should also be prepared to list any medications which have been prescribed to you.
When you go before a judge for a disability hearing, you need to be as prepared as you can. Work closely with a law office like Parmele Law Firm, PC to ensure you have all the evidence you need to get your benefits in place.
