Hearings may be by video, phone, or in person. The judge may call a vocational expert and sometimes a medical expert. You (or your representative) can question those experts. New evidence generally must be submitted at least five business days before the hearing unless an exception applies.
Who may represent you
Under 20 CFR § 404.1705 you may appoint an attorney in good standing or a qualified non-attorney representative. Representatives must register with SSA and follow 20 CFR § 404.1740 (no misleading claimants, no unauthorized fees, competent representation). This campaign is not automatically your representative.
Fees
Direct payment of representative fees from past-due benefits requires SSA approval and is subject to the statutory cap. You should never pay an upfront “percentage of future monthly checks” that SSA has not authorized.
Ask about a hearing-stage referral