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HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AT A SOCIAL SECURITY HEARING

 Your Social Security disability case is likely to wind up before an administrative law judge for a hearing.  The hearing will consist of answering a lot of questions for the record.  How do you answer these questions?  What to say and not to say?

Here are some tips from a top Alabama Social Security attorney:

1.  Be polite.  Address the judge as "Your Honor," at least the few few times.

2.  Only answer the questions you are asked.  Don't volunteer too much information.

3.  Be specific.  Generalizations don't cut it.  Instead of, "I can only stand for a few minutes," say "I can stand for about 20 minutes."

4.  Don't exaggerate your symptoms to make them sound more severe than they are.  Don't minimize your symptoms so they sound less severe than they really are.

5.  Answer based on how you feel most days, not on your best days.

6.  Don't ramble.  Answer the question, then stop.

7.  Avoid contradictions. Your answers should be consistent throughout the hearing.  They should also be consistent with your application.  

8.  Hopefully, you will meet with your advocate or lawyer prior to the hearing to get valuable insight about your hearing and testimony.  I think this meeting is probably the most valuable part of a lawyer's assistance. 

     If you foresee a hearing in your disability case, contact The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville for a free consultation.  Never enter a hearing without being prepared and know what to expect.  Call us at (256) 799-0297.

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