Opinion ID: 1237402
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Pro Se Claimants

Text: Even when a claimant is represented by counsel, it is the well-established rule in our circuit that the social security ALJ, unlike a judge in a trial, must on behalf of all claimants ... affirmatively develop the record in light of the essentially non-adversarial nature of a benefits proceeding. Lamay v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 562 F.3d 503, 508-09 (2d Cir.2009) (internal quotation marks and brackets omitted); accord Butts v. Barnhart, 388 F.3d 377, 386 (2d Cir.2004), reh'g granted in part and denied in part, 416 F.3d 101 (2d Cir. 2005); Pratts v. Chater, 94 F.3d 34, 37 (2d Cir.1996); see also Gold v. Sec'y of Health, Educ. & Welfare, 463 F.2d 38, 43 (2d Cir. 1972) ( pro se claimant). Social Security disability determinations are investigatory, or inquisitorial, rather than adversarial. Butts, 388 F.3d at 386 (internal quotation marks omitted). [I]t is the ALJ's duty to investigate and develop the facts and develop the arguments both for and against the granting of benefits. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted); accord Tejada v. Apfel, 167 F.3d 770, 774 (2d Cir.1999). When a claimant properly waives his right to counsel and proceeds pro se, the ALJ's duties are heightened. Cruz, 912 F.2d at 11. [1] The ALJ must adequately protect a pro se claimant's rights by ensuring that all of the relevant facts are sufficiently developed and considered and by scrupulously and conscientiously prob[ing] into, inquir[ing] of, and explor[ing] for all the relevant facts. Id. (alteration and internal quotation marks omitted); accord Lamay, 562 F.3d at 508-09. And when a claimant appears pro se and is otherwise impaired, we must make a searching investigation of the record to make certain that the claimant's rights have been adequately protected. Cruz, 912 F.2d at 11 (internal quotation marks omitted).