If your application for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied, it's time to get ready for the appeals process. During the appeals hearing, you'll be able to provide evidence, and detailed information that will help you obtain the approval that you need. You want to be as prepared as possible for your appeals hearing. This is your opportunity to have your case heard in its entirety. The information provided here will help you be prepared for your hearing.

Give a Complete Picture

When you go in for your appeals hearing, the judge is going to be looking for evidence to show that you're eligible for benefits. They can't do that if you don't provide them with all the details they need. One mistake you should avoid is limiting the information you provide, especially when it comes to your medical history. The judge is going to be looking at your entire medical history, including all the care you received. If there are periods of time where you weren't receiving medical care, be sure to explain that. The judge will want to know why you weren't receiving care when you're claiming to have a disability. If you didn't have health insurance during that period, be truthful and explain that. If you were feeling better during that period, and didn't need as much medical attention, explain that too.

Explain Overuse of Medication

During your hearing, the judge will also be looking at the medication you've been taking. It's not uncommon to develop a dependency for certain medications, especially pain medication. If you developed a dependency for any of your medications, and your doctors made notes of that in your records,be prepared to explain the overuse, including the steps you took to overcome the dependency. Failing to explain your dependency, or failing to take steps to overcome it, could jeopardize your appeals.

Provide Details About Your Daily Life

When you filled out your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits, you provided a brief description of how your disability affects your daily life. However, during your appeals hearing, you'll be given the opportunity to go more in-depth about how it affects your daily life, including how it affects your relationship with family members. Take the opportunity to provide as many details as you can about how your disability affects your life.

Listen to Your Attorney

If you've hired an attorney to represent you at your appeals hearing, be sure to listen to them. Your attorney has experience in dealing with these hearings, and will know how to get you the best chance for an approval. If you haven't hired an attorney yet, you should speak to one, such as from Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, before your appeals hearing.