Tip: Three Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Chances At A Michigan Disability Hearing
It’s natural to be nervous as your disability hearing date approaches. But there’s no need to worry. A skilled and professional Michigan Social Security Disability benefits attorney will help you prepare, especially for your particular Judge. That way, you’ll know what to expect, so you can be comfortable and focus on talking about the important facts of your disability. Keep in mind that attorneys J.B. Bieske and Jennifer Alfonsi are very familiar with all the local Social Security Judges.
As experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, J.B. Bieske and Jennifer Alfonsi, Attorneys at Law, always help their clients prepare for their disability hearing. That includes talking about common mistakes that benefit applicants often make once the hearing gets started.
There are three mistakes, in particular, that you should be careful to avoid during your own disability hearing:
- Straying from the Topic. The purpose of the disability hearing is to explain to the Administrative Law Judge (the ALJ) the physical and mental effects of your impairment, so the ALJ will understand that you are disabled and why you should receive an award of SSD benefits. If you talk about other concerns, even if they relate to real problems you may be facing in your life, you’ll be wasting valuable time that you could be using to help the ALJ understand the only thing the judge needs to know about – your disability! So don’t talk about things like the bad economy, low-paying jobs, how hard it is to find a job, or other such complaints. It wastes the judge’s time and means you’re not talking about the one thing that matters at that moment – why you’re eligible for disability benefits.
- Focusing on Personality Issues. Too often, SSD applicants decide they need to convince the ALJ that they are good and honest people who must deserve to get the benefits they’ve requested. In most cases that’s probably true, but it’s not what the ALJ is there to decide. The ALJ needs to decide if you have a disability that qualifies you to receive benefits, not whether you are a good or bad person. Trying to get the judge’s sympathy can even backfire for some applicants. Instead, just be yourself and stay focused on explaining your disability – the ALJ will have a genuine impression of you by the time the hearing is done. The ALJ also will appreciate that you’ve stuck to the facts about your disability and why you are eligible for the SSD benefits you’ve applied for.
- Being Too Dramatic. You’re at the disability hearing to explain your disability to the ALJ. The best way to do that is to calmly and directly explain your disability, while following any suggestions or guidance provided by your attorney and the administrative law judge. You should stay calm and relaxed when answering any questions you’re asked, too. Remember, nobody will be trying to trip you up or trick you into saying something that will hurt your case. It’s all about understanding your situation and learning why you should get the benefits you’re seeking. If you put on an act for the ALJ, it’s likely the ALJ will see through it, and you’ll just make it harder to win your benefits claim. And if you get distressed during the hearing, or if you have problems testifying for any other reason, just let your attorney and the ALJ know. They’ll do their best to help.
In short, remember the purpose of the administrative disability hearing, and keep that in mind when you’re there. What you don’t do or say can be as important as what you do and say during the hearing. Make the most of your opportunity to talk to the ALJ by being yourself. Explain your disability and its direct effects on you – including your inability to work. That’s all you need to do.
Questions? Contact Our Michigan SSD Lawyers For Answers
Michigan Social Security Disability benefits attorneys, J.B. Bieske and Jennifer Alfonsi, Attorneys at Law, have convenient local offices throughout Southeastern Michigan – in Macomb Township, Livonia, Novi, Troy, Downriver, and Detroit. That makes it easy to visit with us in person. If you can’t come by one of our offices, we’ll be happy to talk with you by phone. From anywhere in Southeastern Michigan, simply call us at (800) 331-3530, or use our convenient online contact form, to schedule an appointment. We’ll discuss your claim, answer any questions you may have, and let you know how we can help.