Jump to Navigation

Preparing for a Disability Hearing

Social Security Disability Lawyers Advocating for You

The Social Security Disability claims process can be discouraging. Most initial claims for benefits are denied. Claims submitted for reconsideration are also commonly denied. Individuals who wish to pursue their claim further must again appeal their case and go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Often this is the most critical step in the review process because it is the ONLY time you will get to go face to face with the decision maker.

Your ALJ Hearing: Are You Prepared?

Many people underestimate the importance of their disability hearing and, as a result, are not adequately prepared. Our attorneys at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. are dedicated to helping disabled individuals in Illinois obtain the disability benefits they are entitled. Therefore, as an integral element of our comprehensive representation, we provide legal counsel that ensures our clients are prepared for this critical hearing. In our Northern Illinois region the ALJs are located in hearing offices in Evanston, Oakbrook Terrace, Orland Park and downtown Chicago.

Know What to Expect at Your Disability Hearing

Having practiced exclusively in the area of Social Security Disability law for more than 40 years, our lawyers have thorough knowledge of the process and we can prepare clients for what to expect at the ALJ hearing.

  • Extent of disability: Although the Administrative Law Judge will have already reviewed your case, the ALJ hearing provides opportunity for the judge to ask you questions about the extent of your disability and the limitations you regularly face. This is to determine the severity of the disability and if your condition is a permanent disability or is expected to last at least 12 months. The ALJ may also bring in doctors to help provide opinions on the extent of your medical limitations. Our lawyers can prepare you for the types of questions that are typically asked, how to answer them effectively and, when necessary, can cross-examine the government's experts.
  • Impact on your ability to work: The judge may ask questions pertaining to your limitations and how those limitations have affected your ability to work. The judge may pose hypothetical scenarios and defer to vocational experts regarding occupations that you may be capable of, given your medical condition. As experienced Social Security Disability attorneys, we know how to effectively counter the vocational expert in cross-examination.

For experienced representation from an attorney with proven success in handling disability hearings, contact Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.. We have helped countless disabled clients obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. From offices in Des Plaines, Chicago, Libertyville, Winfield, and Joliet, we serve clients throughout northern Illinois.

Online Discussions

For information on chronic headaches, migraines and Social Security law, come listen to a podcast conducted this past spring by Jeff Rabin for the National Headache Foundation.

View Our Videos
What diseases qualify for SSDI or SSI?

CHRONIC PAIN
There are some very distinct obstacles to overcome in establishing a claim for Social Security Disability. continue

LUPUS
Have you been considering filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits but have been told that it is too difficult to establish a claim for benefits? continue

FIBROMYALGIA
In cases involving Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) there are some very distinct obstacles to overcome in establishing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). continue

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Thinking about filing a claim for Social Security Disability Benefits? continue

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Getting out of bed in the morning can be a painful and arduous process. continue

HEADACHES
Trying to work and handle daily job responsibilities with chronic headaches is often impossible. continue

MENTAL ILLNESS
Bi-Polar Disorder - Depression - Anxiety - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder continue

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple Sclerosis, often referred to as MS, can make daily living difficult. continue

HEPATITIS C
The Center for Disease Control Estimates that 3.9 million (1.8%) Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continue

CANCER
Cancer is one of the greatest health fears of most Americans. continue

Visit Our Chicago Social Security Disability Law Blog
Visit our Social Security Disability Law Blog

Our offices are located at the following:


Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
636 S Des Plaines River Road
Suite 300
Des Plaines IL 60016

Des Plaines Law Office

Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
134 N LaSalle Street
Suite 2100
Chicago IL 60602

Chicago Law Office

Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
19 W Jefferson Street
Suite 230
Joliet IL 60432

Joliet Law Office

Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
1512 Artaius Parkway
Suite 300
Libertyville IL 60048

Libertyville Law Office

Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
1N141 County Farm Road
Suite 230
Winfield IL 60190

Winfield Law Office

We Are a Nationwide Practice Main Office Location
email an attorney map and directions

Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.

636 S Des Plaines River Road
Suite 300
Des Plaines IL 60016

Phone: 847-268-3304
Toll Free: 1-866-918-8482
Fax: 847-299-4493

Case Evaluation:

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information
disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

close