Social Security hearings
Ready for the judge, with someone beside you
Most people who win Social Security disability win at a hearing before an administrative law judge, after two denials on paper. The hearing is your first chance to be seen and heard by the person deciding.
We get the file in order months ahead, ask your doctors the questions the judge will care about, and practice the hearing with you at our office or your table.
Hearings in person, by phone or by video
Questions for the vocational expert prepared ahead
Appeals Council review if the judge says no
How we prepare for a hearing
Fill the gaps
We request the missing records and ask your doctors for statements about your limits.
Write the brief
A short letter to the judge that lays out why the rules say you qualify.
Practice together
We go through the judge's likely questions so the day holds no surprises.
Questions about hearings
How long until my hearing?
Waits in San Antonio have run many months after the request. We use the time to build the file, and we'll tell you if a faster review is possible.
Will I have to talk?
Yes, the judge asks you about your health and your work. We'll practice with you, and you can take breaks if you need them.
What if the judge denies my claim?
You can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision within 60 days, and in some cases start a new application at the same time.
Denied twice already?
You have 60 days from the date on the last letter to ask for a hearing. Call us, and we'll file the request with you.
Fees are set by law and paid only from back pay you win. You may still owe out-of-pocket costs, such as copies of medical records or an outside doctor's opinion; we ask before we spend any.