ALJ Hearing — Administrative Law Judge
The third level of the SSDI/SSI appeals process, in which an independent judge reviews your disability claim and holds an in-person or video hearing where.
Official source: ssa.gov
An ALJ hearing is the third level of the Social Security disability appeals process. ALJ stands for Administrative Law Judge — an independent judge who works for Social Security but reviews your case fresh, without being bound by the earlier decisions that denied you.
You usually request an ALJ hearing after your claim is denied at the Reconsideration stage. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request one (plus 5 days for mailing).
**What the hearing looks like:** - The hearing can be in person, by video, or by phone. Most today are done by video. - You can bring an attorney or non-attorney representative. They work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win. - The ALJ will ask you questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. - A vocational expert (a job specialist) almost always testifies. They describe what jobs someone with your limitations could do. Your representative can cross-examine them. - A medical expert may also testify if the ALJ needs help interpreting your records.
**What the ALJ can decide:** Approve your claim, deny it, or ask for more information or another examination before deciding.
**Approval rates are significantly higher at this level** than at the initial application or reconsideration stages. Nationally, roughly 45–55% of ALJ hearings result in approval — compared to about 10–15% at reconsideration.
**Wait times are long.** Depending on your hearing office, it can take 12–24 months from the time you request a hearing to the actual hearing date. Requesting a hearing as soon as possible after a reconsideration denial is important.
In real life
- Sarah was denied twice for her disability benefits, so her lawyer helped her prepare for an ALJ hearing to explain her pain to a judge.
- At the ALJ hearing, John showed the judge new medical records that proved his condition was getting much worse.
- After going to an ALJ hearing, Maria finally got approved for her disability benefits because the judge heard her side of the story.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about ALJ Hearing
What is ALJ Hearing?+
The third level of the SSDI/SSI appeals process, in which an independent judge reviews your disability claim and holds an in-person or video hearing where you can present testimony and new evidence. You typically request an ALJ hearing after receiving a 'Reconsideration' denial.
Who qualifies for ALJ Hearing?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for ALJ Hearing?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Appeal Options Explorer to see your next step. Many people work with a disability advocate or attorney; they only get paid if you win, and SSA caps the fee.
Source: ssa.gov