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PHONE HEARINGS NOW THE NORM FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

In 2020, the COVID "pandemic" changed Social Security forever.  During the pandemic, Social Security stopped all in person hearings before a judge.  They went to mostly telephone or video hearings.

At first, I didn't like telephone hearings.  I wasn't used to them.  But I've been doing phone hearings now for 3 years or more, almost exclusively.  And I have come to like them.  They run just like an in person hearing without the hassle of driving to the hearing location, waiting in the waiting room and going through security clearance.

As of November 2024 Social Security has announced that telephone hearings will now be their default and most used option.  Claimants may still request a video hearing or an in-person hearing.  But if no such request is made the hearing will automatically be scheduled as a hearing by telephone. 

I usually invite the claimant to my office for the hearing.  I prefer to be with the claimant as they talk to the judge.  I take an active part in the hearing to be sure all the important points are covered.  The telephone hearing arrangement has worked well with me for the past 4 years.  

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Need help with a Social Security disability claim, appeal oir hearing?  Get no risk representation with Charles W. Forsythe, Huntsville, AL  (256) 799-0297.  FREE CONSULTATION

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