You will receive a letter from the Hearing Office assigned to process your appeal after Social Security receives your request for hearing. The letter contains the local hearing office's telephone number and mailing address. It further explains your right to representation, if you do not already have a representative. You and a representative, if you have one, will receive a Notice of Hearing at least twenty days prior to the date of your hearing. You should read this Notice carefully and contact your local Hearing Office if you have any questions. The Notice contains a form asking if you will be present at your hearing. Please return this form when you receive this notice. It is critical that you notify your local office if you cannot appear at the time your hearing is scheduled.