If you have been scheduled for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, you have reached the most critical stage of the Social Security process. Unlike the initial application, where you are just a name on a file, the hearing is your chance to tell your story in person (or via video/phone).
Many claimants worry about “trick questions.” In reality, judges aren’t trying to trap you into a lie. They are testing your consistency. They are looking to see if what you say in the hearing matches your medical records and your daily activities.
Why Judges Ask “Tricky“ Questions
The judge’s job is to determine your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), essentially, what you can still do despite your limitations. They use specific questions to see if you are exaggerating or minimizing your symptoms.
1. The “Activities of Daily Living“ (ADL) Trap
The Question: “Can you describe a typical day from the moment you wake up?”
- Why it feels like a trick: If you say “I do nothing,“ the judge knows that is impossible. If you say “I clean the house,“ the judge may think you can work as a janitor.
- The 2026 Strategy: Focus on the effort and the cost. * Instead of: “I do the laundry.”
- Say: “I can start a load of laundry, but my daughter has to carry the basket because I can’t lift more than 5 pounds, and I have to sit for 30 minutes afterward because of the pain.”
You can keep track of your medical journey with our complimentary printable Personal Health Journals: Trajector Disability Personal Health Journal
2. The “Driving and Travel“ Question
The Question: “Do you drive? Have you taken any trips recently?”
- Why it feels like a trick: Driving requires concentration, sitting, and foot movement.
- The 2026 Strategy: Be honest but explain the limitations. If you drive to the grocery store once a week, say that. If you had to stop for three breaks during a two-hour drive to see family, mention that. The “trick“ is the duration and frequency.
10 Common “Trick“ Questions and How to Answer Them
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| The Question | What the Judge is Really Checking | How to Answer |
| “Why can’t you work?“ | Your ability to identify specific functional limits. | Don’t say “No one will hire me.“ Say: “I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without extreme back spasms.“ |
| “Do you use a cane/walker?“ | If you have a “medical necessity“ for it. | If it wasn’t prescribed, explain that you use it for balance, but be honest that a doctor didn’t officially order it. |
| “Do you take care of others?“ |
Physical and mental stamina. | If you watch your grandkids, explain that they are self-sufficient or that you only “supervise” from a recliner. |
| “Are you taking meds?” | Compliance with treatment. | If you stopped a medication because of side effects, explain that. Don’t just say “No.” |
| “How much can you lift?“ |
Your exertional level. | Relate it to household objects. “I can lift a gallon of milk, but not a bag of dog food.” |
| “Do you smoke or drink?” | Credibility and potential for improvement. | Always be honest. The judge likely already sees this in your medical notes. A lie here kills your credibility. |
| “How long did you drive here?” | Your ability to sit and concentrate. | If you were a passenger and had to shift positions constantly, tell them. |
| “Can you manage your money?“ |
Cognitive and mental health function. | If your spouse pays the bills because you lose track of dates, say so. |
| “What are your hobbies?” | Concentration and physical activity. | If you used to fish but now just watch TV, explain the change in your life. |
| “Can you go to church/socials?“ |
Ability to be around others and sit still. | If you can only stay for 15 minutes before needing to leave, that is a limitation, not a “social hobby.” |
The Vocational Expert (VE) and Hypothetical Questions
For most, a confusing part of hearing is the Vocational Expert testimony. The judge will ask the VE: “Imagine a person who can only sit for 2 hours and cannot reach overhead. Are there jobs for this person?”
- The “Trick”: The judge isn’t saying you can do these jobs. They are testing the “legal threshold.”
- Your Role: Stay quiet during this part. Your attorney’s job is to add more “limitations“ to the hypothetical (e.g., “What if that person also needs 3 extra breaks a day?”) until the VE says, “No jobs available.”
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Preparation Checklist for Your 2026 Hearing
1. Review the “5-Year Rule”
The SSA now mostly cares about your work in the last 5 years (not 15). Review your jobs from 2021–2026 so you can describe your duties accurately.
2. Check Your 2026 SGA Earnings
If you did any “gig work“ or part-time work in 2025 or 2026, ensure your gross monthly earnings were the SGA, income limits for 2026 ($1,690). If you went over, be prepared to explain if it was a “Special Condition“ or a “Trial Work Period.”
3. Dress for the Occasion
You don’t need a suit, but you should look like you are taking the matter seriously. “Clean and comfortable“ is the rule. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or “activewear“ that contradicts your claim of physical pain.
Don’t let a “trick“ question derail years of waiting. Our team knows exactly how to prepare you for the specific judge assigned to your case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Trajector Disability, our team of experts is ready to help you understand your possible benefits and lead you through your journey! Whether you’re seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), our experts are ready to assist you. Schedule a free consultation, and rest assured—you won’t be charged unless your claim is approved.
Related FAQs
What questions will the judge ask at a disability hearing?
The judge will ask about your medical condition, how long you've had it, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Expect questions about your symptoms, treatments, medications, and any side effects. They'll also ask how you manage daily tasks, whether you've tried to return to work, and what your doctors have said about your condition.
How do you describe pain to a disability judge?
Describe pain by explaining where it hurts, how intense it is (on a 1-10 scale), and the type of pain (sharp, dull, burning). Mention how often you experience it, what triggers it, and how it impacts your ability to do things like walk, sit, or work. Be specific about any treatments you've tried and whether they help.
How do you explain daily activities at a disability hearing?
Explain your daily activities by detailing how your condition limits tasks like bathing, cooking, or cleaning. Be specific about how long tasks take, whether you need help, or breaks. Describe mobility issues, trouble sleeping, and how your social life or hobbies are affected by your condition.