Issues this guide separates
Use this guide to organize hearing notices, exhibits, testimony, vocational expert questions, and representative file review.
| Issue | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Use This Guide To Organize Hearing Notices | Use the current SSA notice to identify how Use this guide to organize hearing notices affects the next filing or review step. |
| Exhibits | Document exhibits with dates, source records, and a short explanation of why it matters to the current disability issue. |
| Testimony | Keep dated testimony results and the provider interpretation, not only a reference to the test. |
| Vocational Expert Questions | Document vocational expert questions with dates, source records, and a short explanation of why it matters to the current disability issue. |
| Representative File Review | Keep the written documents for representative file review and verify the SSA representation or fee rule that applies. |
Records for ALJ Hearing Preparation
- current SSA denial or hearing notice
- proof of filing or appeal receipt
- updated medical records and provider list
- work history and earnings records relevant to the disputed period
Questions to prepare
- What appeal level is active now?
- What exactly did SSA say was missing or not persuasive?
- Which records are new since the last decision?
- Does the notice require action before a specific date?
Official starting points
Before taking the next step
Use the exact SSA notice and current appeal or benefit status. A general page about alj hearing preparation cannot determine eligibility or predict an outcome, and it should not replace an official filing instruction.