Glossary A

Administrative Hearing

An administrative hearing is a proceeding before a government agency or an authorized hearing officer to resolve a dispute, review a decision, or determine rights under a program. The hearing procedures depend on the statute, regulations, and agency rules that govern the matter. Some administrative decisions may later be reviewed by a court.

An administrative hearing is a proceeding before a government agency or an authorized hearing officer to resolve a dispute, review a decision, or determine rights under a program. The hearing procedures depend on the statute, regulations, and agency rules that govern the matter. Some administrative decisions may later be reviewed by a court.

Example: A person whose Social Security disability claim is denied may request a hearing before an administrative law judge as part of the Social Security Administration’s appeals process.

Common misconception: An administrative hearing is the same as a trial in a federal court. Administrative hearings follow their own rules, and judicial review may be available only after specified administrative steps.

Sources: https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/; https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/types-cases