The hearing is conducted by a judge at the SSA OHO. This is not the same agency that denied your Initial Application and your Reconsideration. An Administrative Law Judge will preside over your hearing and testimony is taken under oath. Strict rules of evidence do not apply, but you do need legal experience because you will likely have to enter evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
A disability hearing is private. Those who will be present will be the Judge, the Judge’s assistant, you, your Attorney, any witnesses you may want to present and any witnesses called by the SSA. The Judge may ask a vocational expert to testify about your ability to work and may call a “medical expert” or doctor (whom you don’t know) to testify about your case. Be Prepared – you will need to cross-examine these witnesses if you don’t have an Attorney.
Medical records will be entered as evidence. The Judge or your Attorney will ask you about your present medical condition, medical history, abilities, education, training, work experience an the limitations in your daily life caused by your disability. You or your Attorney may make a closing argument specifying what Regulations entitle you to benefits under Social Security.