Getting a hearing notice can bring a rush of anxiety. You may wonder what the judge will ask, how formal the process is, and whether you will say the right things. Knowing what to expect can ease much of that stress.
For more than 40 years, Burgess & Christensen has guided people in Georgia and across the country through Social Security Disability hearings. Our team understands how these cases unfold and how judges evaluate testimony and evidence.
The purpose of this article is simple. We explain the types of questions a disability judge commonly asks and why they matter. When you are prepared, it becomes easier to speak clearly and present your case with confidence.
Categories of Questions Asked During a Disability Hearing
Judges follow a pattern. They gather basic facts, look at work history, dig into health conditions, then ask about daily life and any other issues that affect your ability to work. In Georgia, hearings are federal proceedings, and they are often held by phone or video, or in a Social Security hearing office.
Personal Background Questions
The judge usually starts with simple facts to confirm identity and your living setup. Expect questions about your full legal name, Social Security number, mailing address, height, weight, who you live with, and whether you care for young children or others at home. If you moved or changed phone numbers since filing, be ready to explain that, too.
This part is short, but it sets the stage for the rest of your testimony.
Work History Questions
Next, the judge looks at the work you did in the past and why it stopped. This helps the judge compare your past duties to what you can do now.
- Are you working right now, even part-time or gig work?
- What was your last job, what did you do there, when did it start and end, and why did it end?
- Tell us about jobs from the last 5 years, including duties, dates, hours, pay, and reasons you left each job.
Plain descriptions help most, like how much you lifted, how long you stood, and whether you used tools or machines.
Medical Condition Questions
This is the heart of the hearing. The judge will ask what you have been diagnosed with, when symptoms started, how they have changed over time, and what daily life looks like with those conditions. You will cover treatments you tried, names of providers, medications and dosages, and any side effects such as drowsiness, stomach issues, or brain fog.
You might be asked to share what a bad day looks like, how often it happens, and what you do to cope. Keep it real and steady, not just your best days and not just the worst.
Daily Activities and Functional Capacity Questions
These questions show how your conditions affect real-world tasks. The judge wants to know what you can do, how long you can do it, and what happens when you try to push through symptoms.
- How long you can stand, walk, or sit at one time, and how long in a day.
- How much you can lift and carry, and how often.
- Reaching, handling small objects, typing, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, crouching, and balance.
- Household chores, meal prep, shopping, laundry, yard work, driving, using public transit, and traveling for appointments.
Judges also ask about mental health, chronic pain, or brain-based limits. Be ready to talk about memory, concentration, staying on task, social interaction, stress tolerance, personal hygiene, time needed for unscheduled breaks like bathroom needs or crying spells, and whether you need help to start or finish tasks.
Questions Regarding Substance Use (If Applicable)
If your record mentions alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, the judge will ask about it. You could hear questions such as whether use is still happening, when the last use took place, and whether you completed any counseling or rehab program. The judge looks for honesty and whether substance use is part of the disability picture or a separate issue.
How to Prepare for Questions About Your Residual Functional Capacity
During the initial and reconsideration stages of the process, a medical reviewer for Social Security estimates your residual functional capacity, called RFC. The judge will compare that estimate to your testimony and the medical records. Knowing how RFC terms are used can help you give clear answers that match your experience.
One common term is “occasionally.” In SSA language, that usually means up to one-third of an eight-hour workday. If the judge uses words that feel technical, ask for plain wording so your answers stay accurate.
Honesty helps you. Do not guess beyond what you live with day to day. And, if symptoms would put you off-task more than 10 percent of an eight-hour day, say so and explain why that happens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering Questions
A little prep cuts down on missteps. Clear, simple answers usually carry more weight than long speeches.
- Answer only the question asked. Do not wander.
- Avoid over-explaining. Short, direct answers help the judge track the facts.
- Do not base your answer on a rare great day. Speak to your average days.
- Do not downplay symptoms to be polite. The judge cannot guess what hurts if you hide it.
- Be precise. Use numbers for time, distance, and weight when you can.
If you do not know, say you do not know. Guessing can backfire fast.
Tips for Providing Effective Testimony
Telling the truth matters most. Your record, your words, and the medical file should match as closely as your life allows.
Speak up so the microphone catches you. Avoid head nods or hand waves alone, and say what body part you mean if you point, like “my lower back” or “my right wrist.” Clarity helps the judge and any reviewing court read a clean transcript.
How Burgess & Christensen Can Help
For decades, our team has focused on Social Security Disability and Adult Guardianship, and we bring that focus to every hearing. We care about helping Georgia clients prepare, practice testimony, and show the judge the full picture. Our staff includes seasoned case managers who know how hearings really work.If you want a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney to get ready, we welcome your questions. Call 770-422-8111 or reach us through our Contact Us page. We help clients across Georgia by phone, video, and in-person settings when available.