Getting ready to testify at your Florida Social Security disability hearing

If you are applying or have applied for Florida Social Security disability benefits, you will probably have to testify at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  You may be quite anxious, but you needn’t be.  If your hire me as your Ocala Social Security lawyer, I will meet with you before your hearing to provide you with the practical guidance and emotional support that you need.

When we meet to prepare for your hearing, we will talk about your impairment and the issues in your disability claim and get you ready to testify. One of my main goals during our meeting is to relieve any worries you may have. You will be a better witness if you are not unduly apprehensive about testifying.

We will review the topics that you will be asked about such as: your education and training, job history and occupational abilities, medical impairments and therapies, physical capacities, and your daily routines, activities and limitations.  I will give you some tips for testifying.  Because the hearing is recorded, you must speak loudly and clearly enough for the microphones to record what you say. It’s important that you testify honestly, that you describe your circumstances accurately, and that you don’t overstate or understate your impairments. You should describe how your condition limits your activities or causes pain when you do certain tasks. You should inform the ALJ about particular difficulties in your day-to-day life.

I will explain the logistics, such as where to go, what time to be there, and what to wear.  I will tell you exactly what you can expect to happen at the hearing and how the ALJ will conduct it.

The best way to make the hearing process go smoothly is to hire an experienced disability lawyer to help you prepare ahead of time. If you have some idea of what questions the judge is likely to ask and what answers will best convey the information he or she needs to find you disabled, you will be more relaxed and your testimony will come across better.

If you have been denied Florida Social Security disability benefits, contact the CJ Henry Law Firm at (352) 304-5300 for a free claim evaluation