THINGS TO DO NOW IF YOU ARE WAITING ON A DISABILITY HEARING

Most claimants must appear before a judge in order to get approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) payments. The process is long, and there are things you should do immediately if you've asked for a disability hearing with Social Security.

1. Sign and return all paperwork they send you. Once a hearing date has been scheduled, you will be sent an "Acknowledgement of Hearing" form. Sign and return this.
2. Respond to any forms, questionnaires or other paper work right away.
3. Get your medical records updated and to the judge's office right away!
4. Consider hiring a disability lawyer who understands the terms, process and procedures of disability hearings. Going to a hearing unrepresented can be disastrous.
5. Be sure you are prepared for your hearing. Know what is going to happen at the hearing, how to answer questions and how to submit new evidence in advance.
    
   Don't wait too long if you're considering hiring an attorney/advocate to represent you. Getting one now doesn't cost any more than getting one later. A top notch Social Security attorney/advocate can be worth his/her weight in gold. An attorney will know what the judge is going to put you through because he or she handles several of these hearings each week or each day. The good news is: you can hire the best Social Security lawyer with no money upfront, and there will never be a fee to pay unless you win your case and it results in getting back pay from Social Security. No risk to you whatsoever! Your attorney isn't paid unless you win, and unless you also recover back pay from the Government.

A Social Security hearing a like an iceberg: you may see a little of it in plain sight, but most of it lies hidden below the surface and out of view. Its the hidden part you should worry about.