​​​Social Security Disability and Veterans Compensation Attorneys

SSA Lawyers P.A.

​                  ReQuest For Hearing

If your claim was denied at the initial and reconsideration stage, you may appeal those decisions and request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.  Administrative Law Judges are appointed by the head of agencies, but after appointment , receive many of the protections of the judicial branch , to ensure their independence.

The Request for Hearing can be mailed or personally delivered to a Social Security office, or filed online. After the Request for Hearing is filed, the claims file will be transferred to a hearing office, generally in the geographical area where the claimant resides.

Initially, the claim will sit in a queue waiting to be assigned to an ALJ. The hearing office tries to process claims in the order in which they were received. While waiting to be assigned to a judge, staff at the hearing office will try to organize the file a certain way to make it easier for ALJs to review the file. While waiting for a hearing, claimants may submit additional evidence including updated medical records, witness statements and medical opinions.

Once the case is assigned to an ALJ, a hearing will be scheduled. Most ALJs request that the claimant complete and submit an updated list of their work, medications, and medical treatment. Often attorneys or representatives will submit a pre-hearing memorandum, outlining why  the claim should be approved.

Claimants can choose to have their hearing in person, by videoconference, or by telephone.

What to expect at the hearing can be found at the link, "What to Expect at the Hearing"