WHAT YOU SAID VS. WHAT THE JUDGE HEARD

Here, I will give some common remarks made in disability hearings. After each remark, I will give you what the judge hears.

1. I can't find any work. No one will hire me.

The judge hears: "I could work if I could find some work. I have employment problems but disability would tide me over 'til I find a job."

2. I quit my last job after having a fight with my boss.

The judge hears: "I'm a little hard to get along with; I could be working if it'd just bit my lip and held my temper."

3. I know people getting disability benefits who are not nearly as sick as I am.

The Judge hears: "All you idiots at Social Security just throw money away to people who don't deserve it but you pick on me." (Guaranteed to make the judge mad).

4. I do chores around my house and go for walks; I can drive and I shop once a week."

The judge hears: "I'm not as active as I was when I was 18, but I'm doing pretty well and able to do most things (some disability benefits would sure be nice, though, if they're giving some away)!

5. I can't even do simple sit-down type jobs any more.?

The judge hears: "Nobody can live on one of those minimum wage jobs; who wants a job like that?"

6. My anxiety is so bad, just the thought of leaving my house throws me into panic attacks."

The Judge Hears: "The very idea of getting up every morning and going to work is just more than I can bear."

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