17 Disability Examiner Interview Questions and Answers

Disability examiners are responsible for making decisions about the eligibility of people for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. They also determine the amount of benefits a person is eligible to receive.

If you are interviewing for a job as a disability examiner, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience working with people who have disabilities, your understanding of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) policies and procedures, and your ability to make sound decisions.

In this guide, we will provide you with sample questions and answers that you can use to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable asking personal questions during an interview?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine how comfortable you are with asking personal questions. This can be a challenging part of the interview process, but it’s important that you answer honestly and openly. You should explain why you feel uncomfortable answering this question and what you would do in this situation if you were offered the job.

Example: “I am very open about my disability, however I’m not comfortable asking other people about their disabilities or medical conditions. If I was offered this position, I would try to get over my discomfort by practicing asking friends and family members about their disabilities. I think this could help me become more comfortable asking these types of questions during an exam.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a disability examiner?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know if you have the qualities they look for in an employee, such as being organized, detail-oriented and compassionate. When answering this question, think of a few specific qualities that are important to you and explain why those qualities are beneficial to the role.

Example: “I believe some of the most important qualities for disability examiners are compassion, organization and attention to detail. I understand that many people go through this process when applying for benefits, so it’s important to be empathetic and helpful throughout the entire process. Being organized is also important because there are so many forms and documents involved in this job. Finally, paying close attention to details is essential because we need to make sure all information is correct.”

How would you deal with a situation where you have conflicting information about a claimant’s medical history?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to make decisions based on the facts of a case. In your answer, demonstrate that you can use critical thinking skills and apply them to each situation.

Example: “If I had conflicting information about a claimant’s medical history, I would first try to get more details from the claimant or their doctor. If they were unable to provide me with additional information, I would contact my supervisor for advice on how to proceed. Ultimately, I would need to decide whether to accept the information provided by the claimant or their doctor or if I should request further documentation before making a decision.”

What is your process for gathering information about a claimant’s work history?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you apply your knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules and regulations to specific situations. In your answer, describe a situation in which you used your research skills to gather information about a claimant’s work history and how that information helped you make an informed decision.

Example: “I recently worked with a client who had been out of work for several years due to a disability. I asked him to provide me with his employment history from the past 15 years so I could verify that he met the SSA’s requirement of having at least one year of substantial gainful activity within the last 10 years. He provided me with documentation showing that he had worked steadily until five years ago when he became ill. After reviewing his records, I determined that he was eligible for benefits.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision about a claimant’s eligibility for benefits.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process and how you handle conflict. When answering, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of the situation and what factors led you to make that choice.

Example: “In my last role as an examiner, I had a claimant who was applying for SSI benefits because they were unable to work due to their mental health issues. They also reported having a history of drug use, which is something that would disqualify them from receiving benefits. However, after speaking with them further, I learned that they had been sober for several years and felt confident in their ability to maintain that sobriety. After careful consideration, I decided to approve their claim.”

If you were unable to reach a conclusion about a claimant’s eligibility during your initial assessment, what would you do next?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should demonstrate that you are willing to take initiative, have a strong attention to detail and are able to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Example: “If I were unable to reach a conclusion about a claimant’s eligibility during my initial assessment, I would ask them for more information or clarification on their medical history. If they still could not provide me with enough information to make a decision, I would schedule another appointment so I could perform additional research and speak with other healthcare professionals who may be able to assist me in reaching a conclusion.”

What would you do if you suspected that a claimant was lying about their medical condition?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to detect fraud. They want to know that you can be objective and fair when it comes to making decisions about a claimant’s eligibility for benefits. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation while remaining professional.

Example: “If I suspected that someone was lying about their medical condition, I would first try to get more information from them. If they were still unable or unwilling to provide me with sufficient evidence of their disability, I would likely deny their claim. However, if there was any doubt in my mind about their veracity, I would send them for an additional examination.”

How well do you understand the requirements of the Social Security Disability Insurance program?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the Social Security Disability Insurance program. This is a benefit that provides financial support for people who are unable to work due to a disability. Your answer should show that you understand how the program works and what it offers. You can also mention any experience you have with the program, such as if you’ve applied for benefits in the past or worked with someone who has.

Example: “I know that the Social Security Disability Insurance program helps people who are disabled but still able to work find ways to earn an income. I’ve helped several friends apply for these benefits over the years, so I am familiar with the process. The application requires applicants to provide detailed information about their medical conditions and how they impact their ability to work.”

Do you have experience working with computer-based systems for storing and analyzing data?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with computer systems and how you use them in the workplace. If you have experience using a specific system, share that information with the interviewer. If you don’t have experience working with a particular system, consider sharing an example of another computer-based system you’ve used in the past.

Example: “I have worked with several different computer-based systems for storing and analyzing data. In my last role as disability examiner, I used a database system to store all of our case files. This system helped me organize important documents and keep track of client records. Additionally, I also used a spreadsheet program to analyze data from each case file.”

When conducting an initial assessment, how do you determine if a claimant is able to work?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you apply the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) guidelines for determining disability. In your answer, explain that you use the SSA’s five-step sequential evaluation process and provide an example of how you would complete each step.

Example: “When I conduct an initial assessment, I first determine whether a claimant is disabled or blind according to the SSA’s definition. If they are not disabled or blind, then I move on to the next step in the process, which is finding out if their condition prevents them from working. To do this, I will ask the claimant about their work history and any limitations they have due to their condition. For instance, if someone has back pain but can lift 20 pounds without assistance, I know that they could probably perform some jobs.”

We want to maintain high accuracy rates for our disability examiner positions. How do you stay consistent and thorough when conducting assessments?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you can maintain accuracy and consistency in your work. Your answer should demonstrate that you have the ability to stay organized, focused and detail-oriented when conducting assessments.

Example: “I find it important to remain consistent with my assessment methods so I can accurately compare results from one examination to another. To do this, I always use the same equipment for testing and make sure to document all of my test procedures thoroughly. This helps me ensure that I’m using the same protocols each time I conduct an exam, which allows me to more easily compare results between examinations.”

Describe your process for double-checking all of your work before submitting a report.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to gauge your attention to detail and ensure that you’re thorough in all of your work. Your answer should include specific steps you take to make sure you don’t miss any important information when completing reports.

Example: “I always start by reading through the entire report before submitting it, even if I’ve already reviewed it multiple times. Then, I check my math for any errors or inconsistencies. Finally, I have another disability examiner review my work as well.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a disability examiner position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. Use your answer to highlight a few of your strongest qualifications, such as your attention to detail, communication skills or ability to work independently.

Example: “I am passionate about helping people get the benefits they deserve. I know how important it is to make sure each application is thoroughly reviewed so applicants receive their rightful benefits. In my last position, I was able to help over 50% of my clients secure disability benefits. This made me feel like I was making a real difference in someone’s life.”

Which disability assessment tools are you most comfortable using?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with specific disability assessment tools. Use your answer to highlight the skills you have that make you a strong candidate for the role.

Example: “I am most comfortable using the Functional Independence Measure, or FIM, and the Glasgow Coma Scale. These are two of the most common tools I use when assessing patients because they allow me to gather important information about their condition and determine how much assistance they need to complete daily tasks. In my last position, I also used the Barthel Index, which measures a patient’s ability to perform self-care activities like bathing and dressing.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of this job?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of what you think is challenging about this role and how you would handle it. Your answer should show that you are up for a challenge, but also that you know how to overcome challenges.

Example: “The most challenging part of this job is making sure I am following all the rules when evaluating disability claims. It’s important to me that I make fair decisions based on the evidence presented by both parties. To do this, I always take time to read through the regulations and guidelines before starting each case so I have a clear understanding of what I need to look for.”

How often do you think an individual should see a doctor to maintain their disability benefits?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you recommend medical appointments for your clients. Your answer should show that you understand when to schedule a client’s appointment and what factors may influence this decision.

Example: “I think it is important to see a doctor at least once every two years, but I also take into account other factors like their overall health and any recent changes in their condition. If they are doing well with their disability benefits, then I don’t necessarily encourage them to make an appointment unless there is something specific they want to discuss with their doctor.”

There is a discrepancy in the information a claimant provided and what their doctor provided. How do you handle this?

An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you handle challenging situations. They want to know that you can remain calm and use your critical thinking skills to solve problems. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to resolve the discrepancy and ensure accurate information is recorded in the system.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy between the claimant’s information and their doctor’s information, I would first contact the claimant to clarify any misunderstandings or confusion. If they still provided conflicting information, I would then contact the doctor to verify the information. I would also check with other sources of information, such as medical records, if necessary.”