What is the disability hearing process in Missouri?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/30/2025
If your initial Social Security Disability application is denied in Missouri—as happens to many applicants—the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing is a critical part of the appeals process and often provides your best chance of being approved for benefits.

Understanding what to expect during the disability hearing process in Missouri can help you prepare effectively and improve your odds of success.
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Step 1: File a Request for Hearing
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you must file a Request for Hearing with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You typically have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to make this request.
This can be done:
- Online at ssa.gov
- By mail
- In person at your local Missouri SSA office
Step 2: Wait for a Hearing Date
The SSA will schedule a hearing at the nearest Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). In Missouri, locations include cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia.
It can take several months to over a year to get a hearing date due to high case volume.
Step 3: Prepare for the Hearing
This is your chance to present your case in more detail. You’ll need to:
- Gather updated medical records
- Prepare testimony about how your condition affects your ability to work
- Possibly arrange for witnesses, such as family members or medical experts
- Review your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluations
The ALJ may also call a Vocational Expert (VE) or Medical Expert (ME) to testify.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The hearing is usually informal and held in a small room. You, the ALJ, a hearing reporter, and any expert witnesses will be present. A lawyer or representative may attend with you if you choose.
During the hearing:
- The ALJ will ask questions about your condition, daily life, and work history
- You may be asked to clarify gaps or inconsistencies in your medical records
- The VE may be asked if you could still perform certain types of jobs
Step 5: Receive a Decision
You will typically receive a written decision by mail within a few weeks to several months after the hearing. The judge will either:
- Approve your claim and specify your benefit start date
- Deny your claim again, allowing you to pursue the next level of appeal (Appeals Council)
Tips for a Successful Hearing
- Be honest and specific in your testimony
- Avoid exaggerating or downplaying your symptoms
- Be prepared to explain your daily struggles in detail
- Bring all supporting documents, even those submitted earlier
- Consider legal representation, especially if your case is complex
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we help Missouri clients prepare thoroughly for their disability hearings. Here’s how we support you:
- Gather and submit the right medical evidence
- Prepare you for the ALJ’s questions
- Represent you at the hearing and cross-examine expert witnesses
- Increase your chances of a favorable decision through strategic planning
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’ve been denied Social Security Disability and are facing a hearing, don’t go it alone. Contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation, and let our team guide you through the Missouri disability hearing process with confidence and experience.
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