When I have a Social Security Disability hearing coming up with a client, I like to prep them for the hearing a day or two before we go. Â It usually takes 30-45 minutes and let's them know what its going to be like and hopefully put their minds at ease with what is to come. Â After I ask all of my questions and give them an information overload about what will happen at their Disability hearing, I always ask if they have any questions. Â One of the most common questions is whether the judge will give them a decision about their disability claim at the hearing.
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The answer is probably not. Â It is difficult to estimate, but I would say about 5-10% of my cases get an answer at the hearing and this usually only occurs if the judge has decided to approve your Disability claim at the end of the hearing. Â Some judges will even tell you they have a policy that they will not give you an answer at the hearing. Â The most common thing to happen is the judge will tell you they will review the records and testimony and write up their decision. Â In my experience as a Cincinnati Disability lawyer, it usually takes about 2-3 to get a decision in the mail. Â That said, I have gotten decisions within a couple weeks and I have gotten decisions almost a year later. Â But again, the vast majority of Disability claims get their decisions around 2 months or so.
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Since most people have waited a couple years just to get to this hearing level, it can be very frustrating to have to wait several more months for a decision.  Just remember that this is just part of the Social Security Disability process and does not necessarily indicate whether  your case will be approved.  Unfortunately, waiting is a major theme throughout Social Security Disability denials.
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