What should I wear to my disability hearing?

Have a Social Security Disability hearing coming up? Want to know what to expect? Read this and other articles in our “Help! I have a Disability Hearing!” series.

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How should I dress for my Social Security disability hearing?

Sunday Best?

If you attend church regularly, you might feel most comfortable wearing the same type of clothes that you would wear to church. Many people like to dress up a little. Perhaps you’d like to wear a dress, or a polo shirt and some slacks.

However, this is not necessary. If you don’t have clothes like this, it is okay. You don’t need to dress up, if it just doesn’t work for you to do so.

Cannot Manage Buttons or Dress Shoes?

Although Social Security Disability hearings are to be taken very seriously, it is okay to dress casually. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) understand that claimants often have a hard time managing buttons, wearing restrictive clothing, or walking in dress shoes. These impairments can make it hard to dress up in your Sunday best.

Can’t Afford Nice Clothes?

Many disability claimants have been unable to work for so long, that they just can’t afford to buy nice clothes to wear for the hearing! If this is your situation, just wear the best that you have. There is nothing wrong with a pair of jeans and a nice T-shirt.

What to Avoid:

It is always best to avoid clothes that are ripped, stained, too tight, or too revealing. It is also smart to avoid t-shirts with beer advertisements or other questionable content. If in doubt, ask your lawyer!

Sweatpants?

What if the only thing you can get into is a pair of sweats and an oversized T-shirt? Sometimes wearing anything else just hurts! If this is your situation, then wear your sweats. That is fine.

However, if this is not your situation – try to find a pair of jeans and nice t-shirt.

Comfort is Key!

Wear something that you will be comfortable in. Sitting in a hearing for 40 minutes is hard enough without adding uncomfortable clothes to the situation. Besides, it helps the judge to take you seriously if you say you can’t do buttons and can’t tie shoelaces , and then actually wear clothing that doesn’t have buttons or shoelaces. On the other hand, if you have a family member who can help you with your buttons or shoelaces, no problem! We will just mention this fact at the hearing.

Can’t Clean your own Clothes?

While everyone appreciates clean clothes, what if your disability keeps you from being able to take care of your self and your personal hygiene? In this situation, it is understandable that your clothing may be dirty. Do the best you can with what you have.

So, to make a long story short: dress as nicely as you can, while still being comfortable. Comfort is important.

If you are just not sure about your clothing choices, ask your disability attorney for his or her opinion. If you finally have a hearing scheduled but don’t have an attorney, now is the time to get one! Do NOT wait until you get denied, again.

Do you need help with your SSD/SSI appeal and hearing?

If you are disabled and need with your Social Security Disability Hearing, contact Deborah at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC, for help with your SSDI/SSI appeal and hearing.

Call 501-247-1830

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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this web site is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

Originally published: September 12, 2016

Last updated: September 12, 2016 at 19:28 pm