What Does A Social Security Administrative Law Judge Do?
If your initial Social Security Disability (SSDI) application is denied, you may eventually find yourself at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Since they have the power to decide the outcome of your Social Security Disability claim, you should know what ALJs do and their role in the Social Security Disability process.
SSDI Process
There are multiple procedural steps that occur before you even find yourself before an Administrative Law Judge. First, you submit an application for social security disability benefits to the Social Security office. If your application is denied, you then request that the Social Security office reconsider their decision. If their reconsideration decision, again, results in a denial, then you can request a hearing before an ALJ. If the ALJ hearing request is dismissed or the judge’s decision is not favorable, then you can seek review from the Appeals Council. Finally, if you receive an unfavorable decision from the Appeals Council then you can request review from federal court by filing a civil action in a U.S. District Court.
Functions of an ALJ
Administrative Law Judges decide if you have a valid claim for SSDI benefits. In order to make a decision, ALJs will review your exhibit file consisting of your medical records and procedural history. After reviewing your file, they will formulate questions to ask about your health and lifestyle relevant to your SSDI application. The ALJ will hold a hearing to attempt to resolve any questions they have about your claim and issue a decision on whether your benefits will be approved. The ALJ hearing is not like a typical courtroom trial where a jury makes the final determination. Instead, ALJ hearings are decided entirely by the presiding judge. The judge has the power to obtain medical records, determine your work history by contacting your previous employer, and ask for expert advice from medical or vocational professionals. After the ALJ has compiled all the necessary information and answers to their questions at the hearing they will issue a decision on your claim.
How Do I Prepare for an ALJ Hearing?
There is a relatively high SSDI denial rate. However, just because your claim was initially denied does not mean your benefits are forfeit. There are many steps to appeal an unfavorable decision. The key is to be organized and persistent. You must ensure that you are filing timely appeals in the correct procedural order. You also need to present persuasive arguments to the one reviewing your claims. Frankly, the Social Security office, through this organizational framework, is asking a lot from people who are just looking to get financial help in a time of need. Contact our office if you feel overwhelmed and need help with an SSDI application or the appeal process. Our experienced attorneys and staff at Ward Law Group, PLLC., are prepared to help you every step of the way.
