More than a month ago Social Security issued a press release announcing the agency would be implementing a new way to have a Social Security disability hearing through an online platform, but since then the agency has been mum about when and how this technology would be implemented.
In the press release Social Security offers a link where people can check for updates on the progress of offering online video hearings, but no updates have been added since the issued press release. Below is an excerpt from the press release that was issued September 3, 2020.
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.
Since mid March Social Security has been conducting disability hearings strictly by telephone and apparently people who don’t have access to the necessary technology to have their hearing by video will still be able to appear by telephone. We are all waiting for some direction from Social Security about when these video hearings will begin and what technology will be used. A month after the press release and no new information has been shared. Social Security has no plans to go back to in-person hearings anytime soon according to Commissioner Andrew Saul who is quoted in the press release.
“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,” Saul said.
