You’ve waited months for your Social Security Disability hearing. You’ve answered the judge’s questions and explained why you cannot work. We all know what happens at the end of a court hearing - the judge bangs their gavel and decides the case. So, now do we find out if we won the case and if we will receive disability benefits?
Unfortunately, no. You probably won’t find out that day. It is normal for a hearing to end without the judge saying whether your case will be approved. This is simply the process. It does not mean you have been denied.
Why doesn’t the judge tell you right away?
The hearing is only one part of the judge’s review. The judge must also consider your medical records, your testimony, and the other evidence in your file.
After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision explaining the outcome and the reasons for it. The hearing office sends a copy to you and your representative.
Can a judge approve a case during the hearing?
Yes. In some cases, a judge announces an approval during the hearing. This is called a bench decision. But, you should not expect this. It is an unusual event. Even if the judge makes a bench decision, you will still receive a written decision afterward.
Can you tell from how the hearing went?
It’s natural to look for clues. Was the judge friendly? Was the hearing short? Did the judge ask many questions? Those things alone do not tell you whether you won or lost. A judge can be kind and still deny a case. A judge can ask hard questions and still approve it. Your representative may have an opinion about how the hearing went, which can be helpful, but ultimately, everyone has to be patient and await the judge’s decision.
What if the job expert says there are no jobs?
A job expert, also called a vocational expert, may answer questions about whether a person with certain limits could work. Hearing “no jobs” can sound like an approval. But the judge may ask about several different sets of limits. The judge still has to decide which limits the evidence supports. That is why one answer from the job expert does not guarantee that your case will be approved.
What should you do while you wait?
There are things that you need to stay on top of while waiting for the judge’s decision:
- Keep attending your medical appointments and following your treatment plan.
- Stay in touch with your representative, and let them know if your address or phone number changes.
- Try not to judge your case by someone else’s hearing experience. Every case is different.
- If you have questions about the hearing, ask your representative
Waiting is hard, especially after you have already waited so long. But leaving the hearing without an answer is a normal part of the process. It does not mean something went wrong.
At Disability Advocates, we help our clients prepare for their hearings and understand what happens afterward. You do not have to navigate that process alone.