Hearings with the Social Security Administration During COVID-19
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
In March 2020, we temporarily closed all of our Social Security Hearing Offices due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are not offering in-person hearings. During the office closures, we are providing two flexible, safe, and secure hearing options: either a telephone hearing or our new option of an online video hearing.
Additional information on both of these hearing options is available here.
What are online video hearings?
Online video hearings are a secure way to conduct hearings over the internet, using a free platform called Microsoft Teams. You and your representative, if you have one, can attend the online video hearing safely and securely from any private place with a secure internet connection using a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Like our telephone hearings option, the online video hearings option is not mandatory. We will conduct online video hearings the same way we conduct telephone and in-person hearings. During the hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) will swear in all hearing participants and listen to your testimony. You will see the ALJ and representative, if one has been appointed. Other participants, such as vocational/medical experts and interpreters, will join by phone.
What are the technology requirements to participate in an online video hearing?
You and an appointed representative, if applicable, must have access to email and a personal computer, laptop, or Android/Apple tablet or mobile device with a secure and private, high-speed Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. The device must have a camera, microphone, and speakers. If using a mobile device, you must download the free Microsoft Teams application.
We will send you a link to a user guide that explains how to access and use Microsoft Teams before the date of an online video hearing.
Please read our publication Online Video Hearings at the Social Security Administration for additional information. You can also watch a short video about online video hearings is available here.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: COVID-19, Disability, online services, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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April L.
I am in Pierce county Washington, are there any offices open in my surrounding area and or Thurston county.
Vonda
Hi April, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how Social Security is still able to provide critical services. We hope this helps!
Connie S.
To whom it may concern I would like to have a hearing I’ve been denied multiple times I have heart issues diabetic lower and upper back problems acute edema issues walking
Vonda
Connie, we are sorry to hear about your disability. If you were recently denied, you may request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision. You can provide additional evidence when you file the appeal.
If you need help requesting an appeal, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where they live; while they wait for a final determination on their disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!
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Beatrice R.
To whom it may concern:
I’m a cancer patient bone and lung do to my condition I stopped working but now I have to go back to work cause of SS Saying overpayment is it my fault it happened no it’s not now with covid it’s so scary it’s just not fair how they cut all ur income and expect you not to do nothing just stay home and die it’s a shame
Robin M.
Prayers🙏
Vonda
For your security, Beatrice, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Demetrius C.
TO whom this may concern..
I am a : ADVANCE C2 CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE PATIENT..
My name is Demetrius Dalton I have both upper and lower heart failure along with vascular disease and hypertension.
I had a experimental operation back I Dec , 2018 because I’m in my final stages..
So they placed a new experimental heart valve both upper and lower half of my heart is a machine with 2 catheters on both sides of my heart and a loop recorder in my chest.. I filled a disability claim according to the blue book rules .. I may have 1 good year lift to live.
But social security denied me 4 times saying as long as Im still breathing they still want me to work . No matter if I have a life ending heart disease Im 47yr and just reapply when I’m 67yr even though I barely have 1yr to live . SO BASICALLY TELLING ME WE DON’T CARE ABOUT IT JUST DIE . I tried 4 times since 2019. I just want to make a point in this situation I believe it’s crazy people who have a real life threatening disability can’t get it but those people who don’t have it can ..
Mr. D. DALTON
sheldon j.
I Am NOT a LAWYER! i dont want No money from You! None No $$$ from you at all! just call me son, i believe i can help. 267-892-7044 Again. I am NOT a Lawyer or Attorney or Any type of legal representative NOT at all.
I ‘m on SSA DI too.
Robin M.
Blessings!!!
Robin M.
I totally agree, denied 3 times hearing scheduled soon🤔🤔🙏 Been disabled since 2011 with multiple diagnosis and in pain all day every day!!! I can apply to and secure many jobs, but when it comes to working it… My performance and attendance alone would get me a swift termination every time due to my health conditions.
Keep the faith my brother ✊✊✊ I really hate to hear that your health and life expectancy are declining. Sending prayers and blessings your way
Vonda
Demetrius, we are sorry to hear about your disability. If you were recently denied, you may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision. You can provide additional evidence when you file the appeal.
If you need help requesting a review, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where they live; while they wait for a final determination on their disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!
Jeanette
You need to contact a lawyer, your situation is awful and you should not have been denied at all, how are you supposed to work in your condition? Perfect example of the govt caring for its citizens. I keeping you in my thoughts. Please get legal assistance, the govt will end up having to pay your legal fees.
Rhonda P.
This is hard to do video court when you can’t afford internet or wifi and your disabled to get a ride to wifi for these proceedings. What do you do then?
Vonda
Hi Rhonda, thanks for using our blog. Like our telephone hearings option, the online video hearings option is not mandatory.
Ralph B.
Trying to find out about my case
Vonda
Hi Ralph, thanks for using our blog. You can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Jermaine W.
My name is Jermaine wright my hearing was August 13 2020 what my status on my case
Vonda
Hi Jermaine, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. You can log in to or create a my Social Security account to check the status of your hearing online.
If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Jermaine F.
Status of my case
Celia M.
Que hago si tengo cita el 28 de enero 2021 en el seguro para cumplir mi estadia en estados unidos por 30 dias y no me dejan cruzar la frontera de san Isidro via terrestre?