Social Security has maintained a COVID-19 pandemic update page on its website to inform the public of Social Security operations since mid March. The latest updates from Social Security discuss the development of phone hearings. The agency provides some important information about telephone hearings so claimants can be prepared when their hearing day arrives.
Am I required to have my hearing by telephone?
No. Telephone hearings are not mandatory; however, as our hearing offices will remain closed for the foreseeable future, we encourage you to consider a telephone hearing if you cannot wait for an answer on your claim. When our hearing office staff contacts you or your representative in advance of the hearing, you may agree to a telephone hearing or ask us to postpone your hearing. If you do not want a telephone hearing and you ask us to postpone, please be aware that we do not have an estimate of when we will be able to hold your hearing. If you initially decline our offer for a telephone hearing and later change your mind, please contact your local hearing office to have your hearing scheduled. Beginning later this fall, we plan to introduce online video hearings, which people can do from a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer. We will let the public know when this option is available.
What you should know about the telephone hearing
To ensure you experience the best quality for your telephone hearing, we recommend the following:
- Consider a traditional ‘land line’ telephone if you have one, which will likely provide you with a better connection and sound quality.
- If you use a cell phone, be sure you charge your cell phone to have enough battery to hold a conversation for at 90 minutes. Find a location with privacy and good reception.
- Use the mute button on your telephone when you are not speaking to help reduce background noise. Remember to un-mute when you testify.
