Direct answer
What should I not say at an SSDI hearing?
You should not exaggerate, minimize, or guess at answers at an SSDI hearing — honest, specific testimony about your worst and typical days is what the ALJ evaluates against the medical record.
The ALJ compares your testimony to your medical records and reports; inconsistencies undermine credibility, while precise, honest descriptions of function support your case.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What kinds of answers are risky?
Sweeping statements like 'I can never' or 'I'm fine' rarely match the medical record — describe frequency, duration, and specific limits instead.
How should I talk about work I've tried?
Describe unsuccessful work attempts factually: what you tried, why it ended, and what limits caused it — do not hide work activity.
What about activities of daily living?
Answer specifically about how long, how often, and with what help or rest — brief 'yes/no' answers can be misread as broader ability than you actually have.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Hearing Process (ssa.gov)
- SSA — What to Expect at Your Hearing (ssa.gov)