# What should I not say at an SSDI hearing?

The ALJ compares your testimony to your medical records and reports; inconsistencies undermine credibility, while precise, honest descriptions of function support your case.

**Direct answer:** 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.

## 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.

## Sources
- SSA — Hearing Process — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_process.html
- SSA — What to Expect at Your Hearing — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_expect.html

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

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