SIGNS YOUR HEARING WENT WELL

Administrative law judges don't usually announce their decisions at the end of a hearing.  Yet, there are some sure signs that your hearing went well.

1.  The vocational witness did not list any jobs that you are capable to performing as a result of the judge's hypotheticals. 

2.  The judge didn't ask any questions of the vocational witness OR the judge only asked about your past relevant work.  While this isn't always a good sign, it often means that the judge has enough evidence without vocational testimony.

3.  All or most of the judge's questions to the vocational witness resulted in the opinion that "no work would be available."

How long does it take to get a decision?  The judge can take as long as needed to reach a decision.  There is no time limit.  After a decision has been reached, the case goes to a decision writer, where more time is required to write the decision.  It may take 3 to 6 months following a hearing to get a written Notice of Decision in the mail. The delay is caused by the high volume of cases handled and shortage of help at the hearing offices.

Is there anything you can do to speed up a decision?  No, the process simply isn't designed to move quickly and it doesn't.  Calling the hearing office, calling your attorney or other measures simply doesn't have any useful affect on getting a decision issued.  It is a waiting game entirely with the ball in Social Security's court.  Patience is the virtue that counts here.