Social
Security Announces New Online Video Hearings
Send a link to a friend
[September 08, 2020]
The Social Security Administration
announced a new service for people awaiting a hearing decision. In
addition to telephone hearings, Social Security will offer the
opportunity for an online video hearing using the Microsoft Teams
platform beginning this fall.
|
This new free service will allow applicants and their
representatives to participate in the hearing from anywhere they
have access to a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer.
This stable and secure online platform allows the Social Security
judge to see and interact with applicants and their representatives
just like an in-person hearing, while maintaining privacy of the
claimant’s information. Other hearing experts, such as medical or
vocational experts, may participate as well.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Sep/05/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of finding new
ways to serve the public,” said Commissioner of Social Security
Andrew Saul. “For over a decade, the agency has used video hearings
to get applicants their hearing decisions sooner. This advancement
builds on that effort, making it easier and more convenient to
attend a hearing remotely, particularly during the COVID-19
pandemic. To continue to ensure all participants’ safety, we expect
online video hearings and telephone hearings will be the only two
hearing options for the foreseeable future.”
[to top of second
column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Sep/05/images/ads/current/ldn_lda_SCAVANGER_promo_2020.png) Social Security has been
conducting appeal hearings with Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) via
telephone only since March, while offices remain closed to the
public to protect the health and safety of the public and employees.
The agency’s ALJs have held more than 180,000 telephone hearings
since March, allowing the agency to continue to deliver critical
customer service.
For the new online video hearings, whether the device is a laptop,
smartphone, or tablet on either iPhone or Android, people will
experience a clear picture and audio of the ALJ and their
representative during their hearing.
For updates on the implementation and expansion of this new hearing
service, and other Social Security information, please visit the
agency’s COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/.
[Jack Myers
Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security Administration] |