Myatt and Associates

08/13/2026

⚖️ What Should You Expect at Your Disability Hearing?

If you've never been through a Social Security Disability hearing before, you may have a lot of questions about what to expect.

A disability hearing is not a courtroom trial, and it is generally less formal than many people imagine.

During your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may:

✔️ Ask you questions about your medical conditions and symptoms
✔️ Ask how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities
✔️ Ask about your past work and job duties
✔️ Review information contained in your medical records
✔️ Ask questions of a Vocational Expert about your ability to perform your past work or other jobs in the national economy
✔️ Ask questions of a Medical Expert when one is participating in the hearing

Your hearing is an opportunity for the ALJ to learn more about your circumstances and consider the evidence in your case.

Being prepared can help you feel more comfortable and confident when your hearing day arrives.

Have questions about what happens at a disability hearing? Contact us today!

08/12/2026

⚕️ Why Would a Medical Expert Be at Your Disability Hearing?

If you're preparing for a Social Security Disability hearing, you may be surprised to see a Medical Expert (ME) listed as a participant.

So, what does a Medical Expert do?

A Medical Expert is a doctor or other qualified medical professional who may be asked by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to provide an opinion about the medical evidence in your case.

The ALJ may ask a Medical Expert to:

✔️ Review your medical records
✔️ Explain the medical evidence to the judge
✔️ Discuss the severity of your medical conditions
✔️ Give an opinion about whether your condition meets or medically equals a Social Security listing
✔️ Clarify medical issues that may not be clear from the records

It's important to remember that the Medical Expert does not decide whether you receive disability benefits. The ALJ makes the final decision after considering all of the evidence, including medical records, your testimony, and any expert testimony.

A Medical Expert's appearance at your hearing doesn't automatically mean your claim will be approved or denied. It simply means the judge has determined that medical expert testimony may be helpful in evaluating the evidence in your case.

08/07/2026

💼 Receiving Workers' Compensation? Here's What You Should Know About SSDI.

Many people are surprised to learn that Workers' Compensation benefits can affect the amount of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits they receive.

In some cases, Social Security may apply a Workers' Compensation offset if the combined total of your SSDI benefits and certain Workers' Compensation payments exceeds a limit set by law.

Here are a few important things to know:

✔️ An offset does not happen in every case.

✔️ The rules can vary depending on the type of Workers' Compensation benefit you receive and your individual circumstances.

✔️ Social Security may request information about your Workers' Compensation claim when determining your SSDI benefits.

If you're receiving or expect to receive both Workers' Compensation and SSDI, it's important to understand how the two programs may work together.

Every situation is different, and the amount of any offset depends on your individual circumstances.

08/06/2026

⚖️ Why Is There a Vocational Expert at My Social Security Disability Hearing?

One of the most common questions we hear is:

"Why is there a Vocational Expert at my disability hearing?"

A Vocational Expert (VE) is an independent professional who provides testimony about jobs and work requirements. They are not there to decide your case—that decision belongs to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

During the hearing, the judge may ask the Vocational Expert questions about:

✔️ The physical and mental demands of jobs you've done in the past.
✔️ Whether a person with certain limitations could perform past work.
✔️ Whether other jobs may exist for someone with those limitations.

The Vocational Expert answers hypothetical questions based on the limitations the judge describes. The judge then considers all of the evidence—including your medical records, your testimony, and the Vocational Expert's testimony—before making a decision.

Every disability hearing is unique, and the Vocational Expert's testimony is just one part of the evidence the judge reviews.

08/05/2026

💡 What's the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Many people think Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the same—but they're actually two different programs.

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid while working.

To qualify, you generally must:
✔️ Meet Social Security's definition of disability.
✔️ Have earned enough work credits through your employment.

Your income from working and your work history are important factors for SSDI eligibility.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources.

To qualify, you generally must:
✔️ Meet Social Security's disability rules (if applying based on disability).
✔️ Meet SSI's financial eligibility requirements.

Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on your work history.

Can You Receive Both?

Yes! Some people may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if they meet the eligibility requirements for each program.

Every situation is different, so eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.

07/30/2026

📌 What Is a Compassionate Allowance?

Some medical conditions are so serious that Social Security may be able to process disability claims more quickly through its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.

A Compassionate Allowance isn't a separate benefit or a different disability program. Instead, it's a way for Social Security to identify certain severe medical conditions that clearly meet its disability standards, allowing those claims to move through the review process faster.

Examples of conditions that may qualify include:
✔️ Certain aggressive cancers
✔️ ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
✔️ Early-onset Alzheimer's disease
✔️ Many rare diseases
✔️ Other conditions identified by Social Security

Being diagnosed with a Compassionate Allowance condition does not automatically guarantee benefits. Claimants must still meet Social Security's non-medical eligibility requirements and provide the necessary information to support their claim.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, it's worth learning whether the condition is included on Social Security's Compassionate Allowances list.

07/28/2026

🚫 MYTH: You Have to Be Permanently Disabled to Qualify for SSDI.

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that you must be permanently disabled to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

✅ FACT: Social Security does not require your condition to be labeled as "permanent."

Instead, Social Security generally looks at whether your medical condition:

✔️ Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months (or result in death), and
✔️ Prevents you from performing substantial work under its rules.

Every disability claim is unique, and decisions are based on the medical evidence and how your condition affects your ability to work—not simply on the name of your diagnosis.

If you're unable to work because of a serious medical condition, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements before assuming you don't qualify.

07/22/2026

⚖️ Did You Know? Representation Can Make a Difference at Your Disability Hearing.

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied and you're appealing to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you're not alone.

According to Social Security's own statistics, claimants who are represented at the hearing level are approved more often than those who appear without a representative.

Why?

A representative can help:
✔️ Review your case for strengths and weaknesses.
✔️ Obtain and submit important medical evidence.
✔️ Prepare you for the questions you may be asked.
✔️ Present legal arguments that support your claim.
✔️ Question vocational or medical experts when appropriate.

While no representative can guarantee an approval, being prepared and presenting the strongest possible case can make a meaningful difference.

If you're facing a disability hearing, understanding the process and having someone guide you through it can help you feel more confident every step of the way.

Have questions about the hearing process? Feel free to leave a comment or send us a message.

07/21/2026

📋 Does Your Medical Record Tell the Full Story?

When Social Security reviews your disability claim, they're looking for more than a diagnosis. They want to understand how your medical condition affects your ability to work and your daily life.

Your medical records play a key role in telling that story. Take a look at the checklist below to see some of the information that may be included in your medical record.

07/17/2026

📋 Thinking About Applying for Disability Benefits? Start by Gathering These Important Documents.

One of the best ways to prepare before applying for Disability benefits is to gather your information in advance.

Start by collecting:
✔️ Your work history
✔️ Medical Information
✔️ Healthcare provider details

Being prepared can help make the application process smoother. Save this checklist for when you’re ready to apply!