What Not to Do at a Tampa Social Security Disability Hearing

By the time you are at a hearing for your Social Security disability claim, you will have been denied benefits twice and will have worked with your Tampa disability lawyer to ensure that you have built a sufficient case. Avoid the following behaviors when before an administrative law judge to make sure that you do not undermine your own case.

First of all, do not compare yourself to others. You may know someone who receives disability benefits who you feel is less disabled than you are, but disability is determined by SSA guidelines, not your opinions on the matter. Similarly, don’t make general assertions, such as that you “cannot work.” Such complaints might backfire if a judge thinks of his or her own counterexamples. Stephen Hawking, for instance, is a man who cannot walk or speak but who is the world’s leading expert on theoretical physics. Some people who receive disability benefits probably could work, and other people hold jobs in spite of extreme disabilities, but they aren’t relevant to your case.

Instead of pointing to other people, use the evidence that you have gathered with the help of your Tampa disability lawyer to prove your case. Present descriptions of your symptoms, estimates of your limitations, outlines of your daily activities, and plenty of examples of your problems, then let the administrative law judge come to his or her own conclusions regarding your disability.

Secondly, do not attempt to earn the judge’s sympathy. Most administrative law judges have heard every sad story regarding financial situations, including yours, so the move might backfire. Your disability, not your financial need, is what matters when determining benefits.

Thirdly, do not argue your case. You are a source of evidence and proof that you are disabled, not the person who will convince the administrative law judge that you are entitled to benefits. Stick to the facts and leave the arguing of your case to an experienced Tampa disability lawyer. If your claim for Social Security disability benefits has been denied, fill out the form on this page for a free consultation with Garry Miracle.