Social Security Disability Information Center

Anatomy of a Social Security Disability Hearing Part III: The Decision

June 9, 2016

When the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) makes a determination about your disability claim, he or she does not simply send you a letter that says “Congratulations! You have been found disabled!” or “Sorry, but you do not qualify for disability.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires the ALJ to provide you with a thorough explanation […]

Anatomy of a Social Security Hearing Decision Part II: Approval of the fee agreement

May 27, 2016

If you were represented at your disability hearing by an attorney or qualified representative, your favorable Social Security hearing decision will contain an “Order of Administrative Law Judge” either approving or disapproving your fee agreement. That order also explains that you have fifteen days to respond to the judge if you do not agree with […]

Anatomy of a Social Security Hearing Decision Part I: How do I know if I won?

May 20, 2016

If you have a Social Security disability hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you probably will leave the hearing without knowing whether you won or not. Most claimants have to wait between thirty and ninety days to receive the ALJ’s decision in the mail. (Sometimes it can take even longer if the […]

The Indianapolis Office of Disability Adjudication and Review

May 17, 2016

Most people who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) end up having to go to a hearing if they pursue their claim after the initial denial. If you live in central Indiana and have a hearing, you will likely end up at the Indianapolis hearings office. The address of […]

What are ADLs, and why does Social Security care so much if I go on vacation or keep my house clean?

April 11, 2016

Many of my clients do not understand why the Social Security Administration (SSA) is so interested in their day-to-day activities. It might help to think about it this way: since you are not able to work, Social Security can’t ask you how your current symptoms affect your work activities. Therefore, they have to look instead […]

Your Residual Functional Capacity and Your Social Security Disability Claim

March 11, 2016

If you have a Social Security disability claim, you have probably heard or read about your “residual functional capacity” or, for short, your “RFC.” In short, your RFC is an assessment of your physical and mental abilities to work. Social Security evaluates your ability to perform specific functions that are required in all types of […]