Will my SSDI hearing be in-person or phone now that SSA is stopping remote work?

I had my SSDI hearing last month and was given a CHOICE between telephone, video, or in-person. I chose telephone because of my health. My understanding is that while some SSA employees are returning to offices, the option for remote hearings is still available especially if you have medical reasons. Call your local office to confirm - don't just take your attorney's word for it.

This is a common misunderstanding. SSA is indeed bringing more employees back to in-person work at SSA offices, but that doesn't automatically eliminate all remote options for claimants. The Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) is still offering telephone and video hearings in many cases. You should specifically request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act if your medical condition makes travel difficult. Your attorney should help you file this formal request - that's literally their job.

I work with SSDI claimants, and here's the current situation: SSA issued a return-to-office directive for SSA employees (the people who work at Social Security), but this is separate from hearing formats. ODAR/OHO (the hearing offices) are still offering all three formats: in-person, video, and telephone. However, some Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are showing a preference for in-person hearings when possible. Your attorney should file a specific request for a telephone hearing based on your medical condition with supporting documentation. The key is having your doctor document why travel would be detrimental to your health.

I had such a NIGHTMARE with this exact situation!! ALJ denied my phone hearing request even with doctor's notes and MADE ME come in person despite my severe pain condition. I had to take so much extra medication just to make the trip and was barely coherent during the hearing itself. And guess what? DENIED anyway after all that! The system is BROKEN and they don't actually care about disabled people at all!!! Fighting the appeal now but I'm so discouraged.

I've been struggling to even reach someone at SSA to ask about my own hearing options. Been calling for weeks and can't get through - either disconnected or on hold forever. Has anyone found a good way to actually speak to a real person there? This is so frustrating when you're already dealing with health issues.

my experience was that it depends on the judge ur assigned to. some judges r doing mostly phone, others mostly in person. u can always ask for accomodation but they dont have to give it to u. best bet is to have ur doctor write something specific about why travel is medically bad for u, not just inconvenient. good luck!

Update for everyone in this thread: SSA just published clarification on this issue last week. While in-office work is increasing for SSA employees, the official policy continues to offer claimants the choice of hearing format. However, if there are technical issues with remote hearings (poor connection, etc.), they may require in-person. The most important factor remains the ALJ's discretion, so strong medical documentation supporting your need for a telephone hearing is essential. Here's what to do: 1. Have your doctor document specific medical reasons why travel would be harmful 2. Submit this through your attorney as a formal accommodation request 3. Follow up in writing (not just verbally) 4. If denied, request reconsideration with additional medical support Most reasonable requests with proper documentation are being approved.

Just wanted to follow up - did you get this resolved? What did your attorney say?