Public Guide
Administrative Law Judge Hearings for SSDI: Process Overview
A general overview of Social Security disability hearings, participants, testimony, vocational experts, notices, and review stages.
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing is one stage of the Social Security disability review process. The ALJ reviews the claim record, takes testimony, and applies Social Security's rules independently.
This page describes the general format. It does not prepare testimony, assess evidence, or predict a decision.
Who May Participate
Participants commonly include the ALJ, a hearing reporter or clerk, the claimant, an attorney or accredited representative, and sometimes vocational or medical experts. Hearing format may be in person, by video, or by telephone.
Common Hearing Subjects
Questions can address medical conditions, treatment, work history, daily activity, and functional limitations. The ALJ may compare testimony with forms, medical records, prior statements, and other evidence.
A vocational expert may answer hypothetical questions about past work or other work. A representative may question the expert about the assumptions used.
After the Hearing
SSA generally sends a written Notice of Decision after the hearing. Timing varies. A favorable notice is followed by separate benefit-processing steps; an unfavorable notice describes available review procedures and the deadline for that notice.
Official Sources
This page provides general process information. The claim record, hearing notice, and current SSA instructions control for an individual matter.