Posted By Golson, McCracken Inc. || 24-Jun-2014

It’s finally here! You have waited such a long time for this day, and now you may be extremely nervous about your hearing. We want to make sure that there are no unnecessary surprises on this important day.

In the weeks before your hearing, we will make sure that you know the location of your hearing, and any problems that you might run into in parking. We will send you the address with detailed directions that take you from your doorstep to the hearing office. Please use the directions that we have sent you. Do not rely on well meaning friends or family members who know where the courthouse is. Most Social Security hearings are not held at traditional courthouses. If you do lose your way, you can call our office and get directions from a staff member.

Please be punctual. If we have instructed you to met us an hour in advance of your hearing, that is when we need you there. If you are late for your hearing, the judge may not be able to hear your case and it maybe months before it is rescheduled. If you do not appear at your hearing without an extremely compelling reason, the judge may dismiss your claim for your failure to appear.

On the day of your hearing, you should take all of your usual medications. If you don’t feel safe driving, make sure you have a driver.

We advise that you dress comfortably, but respectfully when you come to your hearing. The judge will not be impressed if you show up in a bathrobe and bedroom shoes.

We will have instructed you on what to bring to your hearing and what is better left in your car. For example, all adults must have a photo I.D. and some hearing offices will not allow you to bring your phone in the building. You do not need to bring ALL of your medications, but we do advise you to bring any medications that you might need to take while you are at the hearing office or before you are able to make it home. Please bring all rescue medications like inhalers, supplemental oxygen, or nitroglycerin if they may be necessary. If you will be eating lunch before returning home, and normally take insulin with meals, you will need that.

At hearings for disabled children, the child must appear. Please bring a second responsible adult to your child’s hearing so that the child can be excused to sit in the waiting area after making her/his appearance, and giving testimony if required. You may find it very difficult to talk about your child’s problems in front of her/him. Sometimes testimony regarding your child’s conditions can be hurtful, and we do not want to hurt your child’s feelings. Children can also be disruptive, and you and the judge need to be able to concentrate on your testimony.

Most people are nervous about appearing before a judge. If you have questions on what to expect and what you need to do on the day of your Social Security Disability hearing, call Golson & McCracken.