In plain English
An ALJ hearing is a Social Security appeal hearing before an administrative law judge after the earlier appeal stage has not resolved the claim.
Why ALJ Hearing can matter
Do not read the term in isolation. Identify the SSA notice, form, medical exhibit, work record, payment letter, or hearing decision where it appears and ask what role the term plays in that specific document.
What to write down
- The exact sentence where the term appears.
- The document title, date, benefit program, and appeal level.
- Any deadline or next step printed in the same notice.
- The official SSA source or representative question needed to confirm its effect.
Verify the current meaning
Similar words can have different meanings in workers compensation, private disability insurance, or other benefit programs.