Office of Hearings and Appeals
About Your Hearing

Additional Information About Your Hearing

We receive many requests for information about the hearing process from claimants. Most of the time, these requests relate to how soon the hearing will be scheduled and how long it may take a judge to make a decision in their case. The information below may answer some of your questions.

Average Time for Your Hearing

Our region receives nearly 70,000 requests for hearing a year. On average, a judge may decide about 500 cases each year. It usually takes nine (9) months from the time you file a request for hearing to the date the decision is mailed. However, each case is unique and some cases may take shorter or longer than others.

Development of Your Case

As soon as your request for hearing is received, our staff sets up a computer file to keep track of your case.

• A letter will be sent to you acknowledging receipt of your request for hearing. Later, a development questionnaire will be sent for you to complete and return.

• The hearing office staff makes sure that we have all the materials that the Social Security Administration used in processing your claim and, in a disability case, all the medical and other evidence that may be available from other sources. If any of this material appears to be missing, we will request it.

• For a disability case, we also consider whether additional medical examinations are necessary. If such an examination is needed, we will notify you.
  

Scheduling of Your Case

Generally, our judges set their hearing schedules months ahead of time. Your hearing may take longer to schedule because we need to schedule a medical or vocational expert to testify, or because your attorney or other representative cannot be present on the date we select.

• You will receive a written notice of hearing at least 20 days before your hearing is scheduled.
  
• If you cannot attend the hearing, you must contact the judge as soon as possible to request a postponement. Only the judge can decide whether your hearing can be rescheduled.
  
• If your hearing must be rescheduled for any reason, it may take several months to reschedule because the judge already has scheduled other cases. Therefore, it is very important that, if at all possible, you attend the hearing at its scheduled time.
  
• You should plan to arrive at the hearing site at least ½ hour before the scheduled time of your hearing.
  
• After the judge holds your hearing, he or she will give you a reasonable time to submit any additional evidence you think should be considered. He or she also may decide that additional evidence must be obtained, or that a medical examination is needed. 
  
• After the judge is satisfied that all the relevant evidence is in the record, he or she will prepare the decision in your case.

  Steps That May Shorten Your Hearing Wait

You can do a few things yourself to make sure that you don't have to wait any longer than necessary for your hearing and decision:

• If you want to be represented by an attorney or other person, make arrangements as soon as possible for this service. Do not wait until the hearing is scheduled to make this choice.
  
• Notify us at once of any change in your address or telephone number.
  
• Tell your representative or us of any return to work, new medical treatment, or changes in your medical condition.
  
• Notify us promptly in writing if you cannot come to the hearing and explain why you are unable to be at the hearing.
  
• Complete and promptly return any documents sent to you.
  
• Be on time for the hearing and for any medical examinations that are scheduled.
  
• Be sure to get any necessary documents together before your hearing date.
  
• At the hearing, be prepared to discuss your work and medical history.