Prior to COVID-19, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claimants were required to appear in person to have their hearings in front of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). This often meant traveling long distances by car or public transportation, finding reasonable parking, and getting through a security check before reaching the hearing office waiting room. One fortunate outcome of COVID-19 was the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals’ emergency measures allowing claimants to appear by video or phone instead of in person. After successfully completing more than 65,00 hearings by video and 900,000 by phone, the SSA now permits the option for claimants to attend hearings remotely outside of emergency circumstances.
Benefits of Remote Hearings and Appeals
Allowing claimants to appear for their hearings from the comfort of their homes instead of traveling to the nearest SSA office provides more than just convenience for claimants. In many cases, it’s essential to the claimant’s health and well-being. Those applying for SSDI no longer have to face long travel and wait times away from home, which can trigger physical and mental symptoms. Instead, they can remain home where pain, stress, and other disability symptoms can be managed more effectively.
“For someone with a spine injury, chronic illness, or mental health issues, this could be an overwhelming task,” said Christopher J. Grover, attorney, Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys, PLLC. “Many of my clients had hearings in the downtown Buffalo hearing office but would have to travel from long distances to get there, which would trigger severe pain. And for those with mental health issues, like PTSD, waiting in the hearing office with 30 to 40 other people would be traumatic.”
Prior to the official rule change that made remote meetings permanent, the SSA asked claimants to rate mandatory online and audio experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic on a scale of 1 to 5. The average satisfaction reported was 4.2. These responses helped the SSA obtain approval for permanent online hearings and appeals.
“The overwhelming majority of our clients prefer to have their hearings remotely, and if they want to meet in person, they can still do that,” Grover said. “It would be difficult to take the option for remote hearings away at this point as it’s really a win/win for both claimants and the agency.”
SSA Hearing Options
Claimants now have four options available to them for their Social Security hearings: telephone, online, video-teleconference, and in-person hearings. All options are conducted the same way. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) swears in all hearing participants, which usually include the claimant, a representative if one is present, and a reporter to record and monitor the hearing. Vocational experts, medical professionals, and interpreters may also be present.
Telephone Hearings
Telephone hearings usually take between an hour and 90 minutes. Claimants should call from an easily accessible phone number. Landlines, cordless, and cell phones can all be used, but claimants should ensure the phone they are calling from will provide a clear connection for the entire hearing. Wireless phones should have a charge lasting for at least 90 minutes.
Online Hearings
Online hearings allow claimants to attend hearings from anywhere with a secure internet connection. The SSA uses Microsoft Teams to conduct hearings, so claimants will need to use this application if they choose to have an online hearing. Microsoft Teams can be used with a camera and microphone on any cellphone, tablet, or computer.
Video-Teleconference Hearings
If a claimant doesn’t have the equipment to conduct their hearing online, they can visit one of the SSA’s designated video-teleconference (VTC) locations with their representatives. The SSA has a large network of locations with all the equipment needed to complete the hearing.
In-Person Hearings
Claimants who prefer their meetings to be in-person still have that option. However, they must indicate to the SAA that they are not interested in any of the other hearing options.