SSA Hearing Scripts

[robg]

Hello, 

     I have had the same basic hearing script for a decade now.  I think it's time to do some updating.  Are there any SSA ALJ's out there with a quality hearing script they would be willing to share?  


Thanks, 

R

[FrogEsq]

I, too, have had the same script for 10 years. Thankfully, today, I have NO desire to change.

I don't know what your boredom feels like and I hope I never do. 

[ssaogc]

I gave up the script after the first year and I am a minimalist.
Go on record, ID record,
I ID all parties present.
Provide exhibit numbers  and ask any objections?
Record complete?
admit exhibits
Handle any requests or objection issues.
Tell claimant informal hearing let us know if you do not understand question or if you do not know answer
Swear claimant and VE in,
give rep opportunity to give opening and go right into questioning.
I do majority of questioning and then turn it over to rep for 10-15 minutes if needed.
VE testimony
Closing statement
35 minute hearings on average.

unrepresented require a bit more explaining and advisement 

[nylawyer]

When you say a script- do you mean introductory stuff, like explaining that it's being recorded?

Or are you using a script for the substantive part of the hearing?

If the former, I'd suggest to leave well enough alone, unless you are getting remands due to saying or not saying something.

If the latter- how exactly does that work?

I view my questioning as an algorithm. I ask a question, if the answer is A, I ask one question, if the answer is B I ask a different, etc.

[robg]

A hearing script just keeps me on track?  It reminds me of all the major points I need to hit in introductions, and it allows me to take notes.  For example, there is a spot on the script where I ask/verify the claimant's level of education.  When I'm writing the instructions and I forget the level of education, I can flip back to that page?  This script also helps me pick RFC language.  And that's part of the issue, some of this language is not as sharp as it used to be.  I will try to attach below.  

I'm curious if anyone else out there has a more updated script?  

Thanks, 

R


Adult Hearing Script 12.3.2018.doc (160.5 KB)

[barkley]

I am not sure what you mean by "updated." When I got back from training, I felt like what they gave us would take me two hours to get through, so I pared it down to the essentials. My repped script is a page, with a second page with spaces from me to write my RFC and VE responses. My unrepped script is three pages, mainly to leave additional spaces for responses. The only update I have done was to reflect a quirk of the local District Court. If you think that would be helpful, send me an IM. But I don't what change you seek.

[Pixie]

Oct 31, 2024 21:08:05 GMT -5 barkley said:

I am not sure what you mean by "updated." When I got back from training, I felt like what they gave us would take me two hours to get through, so I pared it down to the essentials. My repped script is a page, with a second page with spaces from me to write my RFC and VE responses. My unrepped script is three pages, mainly to leave additional spaces for responses. The only update I have done was to reflect a quirk of the local District Court. If you think that would be helpful, send me an IM. But I don't what change you seek.

Good Morning, Barkley. Good to see you back with us. Didn't know what had happened to you. Pixie

[barkley]

Nothings going on - just lurking more. As I get older and wiser, I delete alot more posts before actually posting them.

[jagvet]

8 years. I opened the new judges' school script in Word, made a few minor changes and just keep photocopying as it gets worn. Over the years, I have modified or dropped some stuff. I changed whatever it was before to "I have no prior knowledge of this case except to review documents in the file, and I am in no way bound by any previous determination." I say who the hearing monitor is, but I don't read the stuff about what he or she is doing there. I read the rights from the script as printed. I omit DLI verbiage if it's not expired or if it's SSI. I say DAA language if there's any hint of it. I added "Mr. Smith is here to protect your interests" after telling them to stop me if they don't understand my question.

On VE script, I use HACPS, but add "You are qualified and admitted to testify as a vocational expert: and use script questions about national numbers, VE experience and DOT. With ME, I just use the script. It is similar to VE script.

Oh, and I handwrote in "Do you agree to appear by telephone?"

I still read it aloud every time.

[ThatNewGuy]

DM me your email and I will send. I'm an Army reserve judge and we are all about the script. I feel pretty good about mine and it is a choose your own adventure for the various types of hearings.