How long does a Social Security Disability hearing last?   Disability hearings are, fairly often, somewhat short. It is not unusual to even have a hearing last as little as 10-15 minutes. How can this be the case? If the administrative law judge presiding over the case has already, for the most part, made up his or her mind to "pay the case" (approve the claimant for disability benefits), then there is relatively little to discuss between the judge and the claimant, or the judge and the claimant's disability lawyer. The fact that disability judges have the claimant's entire file available to them prior to the hearing ( including whatever medical records and other evidence has been gathered by either the claimant or their attorney and then submitted to the hearing office) facilitates this. How can you tell if a disability hearing may take longer? If the judge has requested the appearance of expert witnesses, such as a vocational expert or a medical expert (judges do this to provide additional expert evaluation regarding a claimant's residual functional capacity or their ability to find employment in the national economy based on their condition and work abilities), it is less likely that the hearing will be over in 10-15 minutes. When expert witnesses are called to be present at a social security hearing, such witnesses will communicate with the judge and the claimant's disability lawyers, usually over hypothetical situations that speculate as to A) the claimant's remaining mental or physical functionality, B) the availability of certain jobs and C) the claimant's ability to perform the work involved in those jobs. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in North Carolina? Will a Social Security Judge give You an Immediate Decision at the Disability Hearing? Basic Facts about the Administrative Law Judge Social Security Disability Hearing Are the Chances of Winning Disability Benefits Higher at a Social Security Hearing with a Judge? Winning at a Social Security Disability Hearing Social Security Disability Hearings - what to expect What happens when you go to a Social Security Disability hearing? How do I request a Social Security Disability hearing - How do I file? Requesting a Social Security Hearing when you have a Disability Representative or Attorney How long does a request for a disability hearing appeal take? What are the odds of a judge giving you a disability denial? What is a Social Security administrative law judge disability hearing? What is the time frame for a judge to make a decision for a disability hearing? How should I prepare for a disability hearing with Social Security? What are the questions that get asked at a Social Security Disability or SSI hearing? Disability claim at reconsideration appeal level Getting disability approved in Florida Getting a Disability Lawyer in Florida Qualifying for SSDI in Florida