The Social Security Administration denies 40% of all initial claims. What that means to you is that you should go into this process expecting to have to appeal your case at a disability hearing. In order to maximize your chances of winning your appeal, here are a few tips for preparing for a Houston disability hearing.

1. Gather together any updated records on your medical condition. While you many have already provided information to the SSA regarding your disability, there are likely to be changes between when you initially applied until the time your hearing is scheduled. Make sure you have the most up-to-date medical records on your condition. You will need copies to keep for yourself and a set for the judge assigned to your hearing.

2. Request statements from the medical professionals who have treated you for your disability. This may include doctors, physical therapists, psychiatrists, etc. These statements can take the form of letters that state you are disabled, you cannot work, and why you cannot work. The latter information should be as detailed as possible, explaining exactly how your disability makes it impossible for you to work.

3. Show up for your hearing. You may experience a lengthy gap between your request for a hearing until the notification that your hearing date has been scheduled. After that, the notification of your hearing will probably arrive 20-30 days in advance of the hearing. It is easy to lose track of when the actual hearing is scheduled if you are representing yourself at an appeal. Therefore, make sure you record when you requested the appeal and then the actual hearing day/date/time somewhere that you will be frequently reminded – in a PDA, on the calendar, whatever you use to keep track of important dates.

4. Read up on what to expect at the hearing and SSA regulations. The SSA web site ( ) provides very detailed information on all the rules and regulations that are used to decided SSDI and SSI claims. It is a good idea to review them as thoroughly as possible before your hearing, so that you can go into your hearing knowing what to expect from the process and able to cite relevant guidelines to support your case.

5. At your hearing, stay focused and be clear. Rambling, emotional statements will do little to convince the judge that your claim is valid. Speak slowly and remain on point – you are disabled, your disability prevents you from working and will do so for the foreseeable future, and here is the evidence that proves your assertion. Answer all questions calmly and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the hearing.

All of this may sound overwhelming. Fortunately, there are attorneys who specialize in assisting clients with their disability hearings by handling pretty much all of the above for you. They will gather all supporting documents and statements on your behalf, remind you of your hearing date, and prepare you beforehand for the hearing experience by describing it in detail and providing guidance on what you should say. All you will have to do is show up and your disability attorney will handle the rest.