Every Social Security Disability hearing is unique. Judges, facts, and medical files are different in every case. But there’s generally a core set of the most common questions that come up again and again.
If you’re preparing for a hearing in Springfield, MO, knowing these questions—and how to answer them—can lower your stress and help the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) understand why you can’t work.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we prepare our clients for phone, video, and in-person hearings so you can tell your story clearly and honestly. Unfortunately a lot of other law firms do not take this critical step.
Why These Questions Matter
Administrative Law Judges don’t just look at your diagnosis. They focus on your symptoms and your limitations—what you can and can’t do day to day.
Your answers help the judge figure out your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which is a legal way of deciding whether you can still do past work or any other work.
The 5 Most Common Hearing Questions
1) Basic Identification
“Please state your name, age, date of birth, and Social Security number.”
These are simple “for the record” type of questions. Simply answer clearly and move on.
2) Why Did You File for Disability?
“Why did you file for disability benefits?” or “Why can’t you work?”
This can be the toughest question for many people. Keep it short, clear, and work-focused.
How to answer well:
- Start with your top 3–5 impairments (not a long story).
- Give when they started and when they became severe.
- Connect impairments to job functions you can’t do anymore (lifting, standing, focusing, using hands, dealing with stress or the public, etc.).
- If you take medications, note major side effects that affect work.
Example:
“Your Honor, my top conditions are degenerative disc disease, neuropathy, and depression. They became severe in March of 2023. Because of pain and numbness, I can’t stand more than 10 minutes, lift over 10 pounds, or stay focused long enough to meet production. That’s why I can’t do my past warehouse and assembly jobs.”
3) Daily Activities & Household Tasks
“Who cooks, cleans, and does laundry in your home?”
Judges ask this to see how your limitations show up in real life.
Tips:
- Be honest about what you can do, how long you can do it, and what help you need.
- If you can do a task, explain the pace, pain, breaks, or help required.
- Don’t say “I do nothing” unless that’s truly accurate—be specific instead.
Example:
“I can microwave simple meals, but standing at the stove 15 minutes makes my back spasm. My spouse does the heavy cleaning and laundry. I can fold clothes sitting down for about 10 minutes at a time.”
4) Education and Training
“What is the highest level of education you completed?”
Education affects whether your skills could transfer to other work.
Be ready to list:
- Highest grade completed, GED, diplomas, certificates, licenses.
- Any recent classes or certifications since you filed your claim.
5) Driving & Transportation
“Do you have a car and insurance? Can you drive? How did you get here today?”
This is a “Swiss-Army-knife” type of question. It checks mobility, concentration, and daily function.
Be accurate—judges often ask this question again at the end of the hearing to see if your answer has changed.
If you drive:
- Explain how far you can drive, how often, and what limits you have (pain, panic, neck turning, leg numbness, vision issues).
If you don’t drive: - Explain why (medical limits, seizures, panic, meds, no license) and how you get to appointments (rides, bus, OATS Transit, rideshare).
Quick Prep Checklist
- ✅ List your top 3–5 conditions, with dates they became severe.
- ✅ Match conditions to specific job duties you can’t do anymore.
- ✅ Be ready to describe sitting, standing, walking, lifting, reaching, using hands, focus, breaks, absences.
- ✅ Be clear about household tasks and who helps you.
- ✅ Bring a simple list of meds and major side effects.
- ✅ Know your education/training and any updates.
- ✅ Be honest about driving/transportation—and keep your answer consistent.
FAQ For Springfield Missouri Social Security Disability Hearings
Do these questions apply to both SSDI and SSI?
Yes. The judge’s focus on symptoms and limitations is the same.
Will the Vocational Expert decide my case?
No. The Vocational Expert (VE) is a witness who answers job-related questions. The judge makes the decision.
What if I don’t know an answer?
Simply be honest and say “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Never try to guess.
Will I get a decision the same day?
Usually no. Many Springfield clients hear back in 1–2 months (sometimes it can be sooner or later).
Get Local Help From a Springfield, MO Disability Lawyer
If you have a hearing coming up—by phone, video, or in person—The Krebs Law Firm will help you get ready and present your testimony clearly and confidently.
At the Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call our Springfield office today for a free consultation at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on a Missouri Disability Attorney from the Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Missouri residents. Give us a call today.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our Springfield office at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Missouri Social Security disability lawyer can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, the Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney in Missouri with your claim, the Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability process and would be happy to work with you.