Hearing Assistant

A hearing assistant makes a tape recording of the entire hearing. A claimant may use the tape of the hearing as evidence in an appeal of an unfavorable decision. However, it is important to note that:

• If the claimant does not make his or her own tape of the hearing, it can take the Appeals Council over one year to make a copy.
• No written transcript of the hearing is made unless the case goes to federal court.