HOW TO ANSWER ALJ QUESTIONS IN YOUR DISABILITY HEARING

Disability hearings are conducted by special judges called Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).  It's a question and answer format where the judge will ask you all kinds of questions.

Questions will fall into 4 general categories, although other questions may be asked:

CATEGORY 1: PERSONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU

CATEGORY 2:  QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PAST JOBS

CATEGORY 3: DETAILED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR IMPAIRMENTS AND SYMPTOMS.

CATEGORY 4:  QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES, HABITS, DAILY ROUTINES, AND LIMITATIONS OF FUNCTION.

 After the judge finishes his questions, your attorney will be allowed to question you on the record.  The same rules apply.

So, what are the rules in answering questions at a hearing?

  1.  Be direct and don't ramble.  Answer the question without giving too much detail.  If the judge wants more details he/she will ask for them later.

2.  Be honest.  Avoid exaggeration.  Never, ever lie or give misleading answers. Probably the worst thing you could do.  It will get you a denial.

3.  Don't be offended by the questions.  You may be asked about drinking, smoking or if you have been arrested.  If the answer is no, simply say No.  These are "Yes" or "No" questions.  IF the judge wants more detail, he/she will ask for them.

4.  Try to use words that have defined meanings.  Avoid generalities, such as a little bit, a lot, once in a while, not very often, or occasionally. Better:  "About 20 minutes; twice a week," or "less than 10 pounds."

5.  Try to be consistent.  For example, don't say "I can't sit for more than 20 minutes," then later say, "I drove to Florida this summer on vacation."  That seems like a contradiction.

6.  Never, ever answer a question that you don't understand.  Ask for the question to be repeated or explained if it isn't clear to you. 

7.  Repeating Number 1:  DON'T RAMBLE. Rambling is the great enemy of effective hearing testimony.  Don't let yourself do it!

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