# What happens at an SSDI hearing?

SSDI hearings are non-adversarial and informal compared to court trials, but the record from this stage is what appellate levels rely on. Many claimants appear with a representative or attorney, and most hearings today are held by video or phone.

**Direct answer:** At an SSDI hearing, an Administrative Law Judge questions the claimant under oath about their medical condition, work history, and daily activities, and usually calls a vocational expert to testify about whether any jobs exist that the claimant could still perform.

## Who is in the room?
The Administrative Law Judge, the claimant, the claimant's representative (if any), often a vocational expert, and sometimes a medical expert.

   
## What is asked?
Questions about medical treatment, symptoms, past work, and daily activities.

   
## When is the decision issued?
Written decisions are typically issued 1-3 months after the hearing.

## Sources
- SSA — The Appeals Process — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html

## Related questions
- [How do I appeal an SSDI denial?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-do-i-appeal-an-ssdi-denial)
- [Do I need a lawyer for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-ssdi)
## Topics
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals
- SSDI Lawyer — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-ssdi

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