Tag Archives: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Social Security News

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

The “Social Security Hot Topics” Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program provided quite a bit of information about the state of Social Security. More judges on the way: 150 new judges already hired in 2009. 20-30 additional judges to be hired … Continue reading →

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How to postpone a Social Security hearing?

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Even though it often takes a year or even two years to get your Social Security hearing, you may find that you are not ready when the big day finally comes. Is there any way to continue, postpone, or delay … Continue reading →

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How long after my case is assigned to a Judge does it take to get a hearing?

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

If you are keeping in touch with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) which is preparing your case for hearing, you may be told that your case has finally been assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).   … Continue reading →

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Making your Social Security claim stand out!

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Gordon Gates writes about how he tries to make each case different and memorable when preparing to go to hearing. I am always concerned that a particular claim will not get the attention it deserves at the hearing level, due … Continue reading →

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Gordon Gates on “the 11 Percent ALJ”

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Social Security attorney Gordon Gates wrote about a Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who only approves 11 percent of cases. In trying to find some insight in to how this ALJ could only approve 11% of cases when most … Continue reading →

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Long Social Security hearing delays? “Blame the judges!”

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

The long wait times in Social Security cases are prompting a backlash against Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in Social Security cases.   Across the country, it takes an average of 480 days to get a judge’s ruling on a Social … Continue reading →

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Social Security Judge’s approval or denial numbers published by Oregonian

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Would you like to know what percentage of cases the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to your Social Security disability, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case, approves and denies? In response to a Freedom of Information Act request by The Oregonian, the … Continue reading →

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If I have a lawyer, why am I doing all the talking?

Posted on November 19, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

The one thing people are most surprised about when they go to a hearing is that the lawyer does not do all of the talking. In fact, it is the claimant (aka “you”) who has to answer the Judge’s questions.  I … Continue reading →

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What does the “vocational expert” do at a Social Security hearing?

Posted on September 22, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Under Social Security regulations, it is not enough to have a disability (a diagnosed medical condition). Your condition has to be severe enough to be prevent you from being able to engage in a “substantial gainful activity;” typically full time, … Continue reading →

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Denied at hearing? Here’s how to appeal the Judge’s decision to Social Security Appeals Council

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

If you are denied at your Social Security hearing by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you have the right to appeal the judge’s decision to the Social Security Appeals Council.   To do this, you need to file form HA-520-U5 … Continue reading →

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Hearing tip: keep a journal of rest breaks

Posted on September 8, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Here is a useful exercise you can do to prepare for your hearing:  keep a journal of everything you do from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, including every time you take a break.   … Continue reading →

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What if the Judge wants me to change the date my disability began?

Posted on August 29, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Nate Craig of Truth of the Matter Asserted has a great article about what it means if a judge wants you to change the date you became disabled, or in Social Security parlance “amend your alleged onset date (AOD).” Often, … Continue reading →

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Hearing tip: don’t be browbeaten by the judge

Posted on August 18, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

You are finally at your hearing.  The judge, wearing black robes, turns to you and asks: “You last worked in 2003, right?” It’s the “Dirty Harry” moment! You try to remember.   Was it 2003?  Maybe it was 2004?  Or … Continue reading →

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How long does It take to get a Social Security hearing?

Posted on June 20, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

In my experience with Colorado Social Security cases, hearings are usually scheduled approximately 12-14 months after the appeal is filed.   That is the most common time frame that I see for having a hearing scheduled. However,  I occasionally see cases … Continue reading →

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Hearing tip: know your judge

Posted on May 21, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

I enjoyed attorney Gordon Gates‘ article about knowing who your judge is in your Social Security case: The first thing I want to know when I receive a hearing notice for a Social Security disability claim is the name of … Continue reading →

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