During the pandemic, in order to have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Hearing Operations (OHO), one had to agree to either a phone hearing or a Teams hearing over Microsoft video. The Social Security Office of Hearing Operations was closed for over two years and reopened last Summer. The hearings office then began scheduling in person hearings on a limited basis and masks were required for all in person hearings. Just this month, the hearing office lifted the mask mandate for in person hearings. Social Security has assured us that video teams hearings and phone hearings will remain as options for Claimants as well as the option to have an in person hearing.
Here at Gardberg and Kemmerly, P.C. we have specialized hearing rooms available so that you and your representative with our firm will conduct your hearing over video through the Microsoft Teams application without worrying about any external factors, such as other people in your home or not having a private place to be able to talk about your health matters. Additionally, your representative is with you just as if we were in a regular hearing room at the Office of Hearing Operations.
I highly recommend that you discuss with your representative and seek consultation with a firm specializing in disability claims before agreeing to the type of hearing you want to have in your claim. Showing up to a video or phone hearing unprepared can harm your case just as if you walked into the court room unprepared. There are lots of information and details that goes into making sure our claims are prepared for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
We live in a time of change but let us handle the confusing parts. We here at Gardberg and Kemmerly specialize in disability claims and are watching all new procedures closely as we navigate these changing times. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance please call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and/or SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.