Hearings before Administrative Law Judge’s (“ALJ’s”) are informal and the only people present are the claimant, his or her attorney if they are represented, the Judge, a court reporter who will record the testimony, and any witnesses a claimant may bring to the hearing. In some cases, the ALJ has requested a doctor or vocational expert to be present and provide expert testimony about the claimant’s medical condition and his ability to perform other types of jobs. There is no jury and no attorney representing the Social Security Administration at the hearing. No spectators or observers are permitted in the hearing office.
The Judge will ask the claimant questions, and his or her attorney will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Any experts will then be questioned by both the Judge and claimant’s counsel.
If you have applied for Social Security and have been denied, have questions, or need help with an Appeal, contact the Pennsylvania social security attorneys at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., at 717-695-4722 for a free consultation.
