What is an Administrative Law Judge?

If you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, chances are good that your application is going to end up being denied. This means you are likely to find yourself involved in the appeals process -- and your case could end up before an administrative law judge. 

A Los Angeles Social Security Disability benefits attorney can provide you with assistance preparing for a hearing before an ALJ. You should make sure you have the most convincing possible case prepared to maximize your chances that the judge will find for you and allow you to receive the benefits that you need from the Social Security Administration. 

What is an Administrative Law Judge?

An appeal before an administrative law judge is the second phase of appeals, following a request for reconsideration. Although the ALJ is referred to as a "judge," the judge does not work for the federal or the state court system. Instead, the judge presides over only Social Security Disability cases. He is called an administrative law judge because he is part of the Social Security Administration, which is a federal agency. 

Although the judge is part of the Administration, he will still review your case independently and should not have a bias in favor of siding with the Social Security Administration. If you can make a convincing case, the judge can determine you are entitled to benefits. If you do not convince the judge at your hearing that you should receive Social Security Disability benefits, you are allowed to appeal the judge's decision. Your next phase of appeal will also stay within the Social Security Administration and will go to an appeals board before your case finally gets to federal court if it gets there at all. 

A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can help you to prepare a convincing case to present to an administrative law judge. You should give us a call to find out more about the help we can provide as you try to fight for your benefits.