Hearing Notice - Scared

I just received notice of my ssdi hearing date. Any pointers on what to expect, procedure process, etc.? I will be having a video teleconference hearing. Also, what is the normal time period for a decision after a hearing?

Hopefully you will have all your doctor's information, diagnosis and all your meds information ready. They will question you and may want to see the paperwork. It is up to them how long it takes to get a decision. Could be right away or it could be a couple of weeks. Good Luck to you!

My application went to a hearing, I was asked specific questiongs, How does your illness effect your daily life, Are you able to maintain a household, always. Hows is your work history. This a time where you need to set aside your pride and be honest about how much your illness has just taken over your life on all levels , If you have any physical problems they need to be aware.

It is a scary process, Mine took about 20 mins, The judge was kind and listened , she did apologize that my case even needed to result in a hearing.My attorney and I walked out of the chambers and she said "you won" I wasnt relaxed until I recieved the official paperwork saying I won my appeal. I do believe I got my first direct deposit about 2 weeks later that went back to my initial filing. Just be honest , dont't be a tough guy hiding your true problems. Be totally honest.

Wish I could help.. :/ I do wish you well! I didn't have to do the hearing part, only the appeal but I was terrified. The attorney told me to expect a hearing. Im sending good vibes...you've got this!!! Just tell the ugly details.

That's pretty much what happened to me. But it took a long time to get the letter. And a long time to begin receiving the stipend. The hearing wasn't bad at all. The process took so long because of poor communication between SSA departments.
Good luck Lunatic Fringe. I think you'll do fine.

Video teleconference hearing? How does that work? Judge is in a different place than you and your lawyer? Do you have a lawyer? I couldn't organize my thoughts to save my life during the hearing and didn't really need to - my lawyer did all of the work. The Judge was a curmudgeon. My lawyer was very clever though. Thank God.

Really isn't anything to expect. The Judge rapidly runs over everything that has been presented to him and only asks questions on things he's not sure about then the lawyer answers them. I appealed my case twice for backpay and finally got it after the Appeals Council overturned the Judge's second partially-favorable decision. The Judge didn't bother to look at my time cards. My lawyer broke down my work into numbers and said I only completed 30% of all 8 hr days, took so-and-so much time off due to problems, etc.

When I had my hearing, I got a letter from Soc. Sec. explaining the procedure. There's usually the judge, a doctor, and a vocational specialist there from Soc. Sec. The doctor and the voc. spec. give their opinions about your case.

My hearing was in person. I would *much* rather have a video conference.

As far as length of time until you know the decision, it varies widely. Sometimes the judge tells you during the hearing. It was about two months before I got a result. Your lawyer may be able to give you an idea of how long it will be.

I didn't find it to be a fun experience. Maybe try to keep in mind that if you weren't at all nervous and looked all happy and relaxed, it probably wouldn't help your case!

If you need help with the anxiety you're having before the hearing, I hope you'll ask a therapist or doctor. You can probably use extra support until you get your hearing results and even afterwards, no matter what the decision is. It's a stressful time.

Well, a rep. with my attorney firm called today. She just asked me questions about my physical problem, which I am not being in a treatment due to lack of funds. She wasn't very positive towards the physical side because of lack of ongoing treatment. However, she hasn't even looked thoroughly at my mental records yet. She did say that the ssdi doctor that I was sent to said I don't have bipolar, just some kind of depression bs.

I am highly discouraged.