Video Hearings Rolling Out at Social Security

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still no telling when we will return to in-person Social Security hearings. Social Security is beginning to offer claimants the option to have a hearing via video. Until now, all hearings have been held telephonically.

A video hearing can be beneficial because it allows a judge to see the claimant and get to know them a bit better than just hearing them over the telephone. It is also helpful if your disability has a physical component that may not be evident from a telephone hearing (for example, someone who has had surgery on their cervical spine might need to wear a neck brace or have other support for their head. The judge would not necessarily know this unless they could see you).

Before scheduling your hearing, Social Security will send you a letter asking if you would like a phone hearing, a video hearing, either, or wait for an in person hearing. The decision is totally up to you, but the Law Office of Sarah Crosby can help advise what is best for your situation. Participating in a video hearing requires a computer or phone, a stable internet connection, and using Microsoft Teams.

If you have a hearing coming up or need more information about your disability claim, contact the Law Office of Sarah Crosby for a free consultation at 317-760-9293.

For more information on Social Security's video hearings, visit Social Security's website.

Disabled Adult Child Social Security Benefits

Parents of children with special needs have unique concerns - how to ensure my child will be cared for as they get older and I may not be around to provide for their care? In addition to talking with an attorney about guardianship options and special needs trust, you might want to consider Social Security disability benefits.

Even if a child has never worked, if they are determined to be a disabled adult child, the child may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits based upon a parent's work record.

To be eligible for disabled adult child benefits, a child's disability must have started before they reached 22 years old. The parent must be either deceased or receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

Contact the Law Office of Sarah Crosby at 317-760-9293 if you have questions about potential disability benefits for your disabled adult child.

Social Security Disability Updates - What is Happening During COVID-19

Many people have asked how Social Security is operating now that we are several months into COVID-19. Here are some updates for how the process is currently working at Social Security. If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Law Office of Sarah Crosby for more information.

New Applicants

Although Social Security offices remain closed, new applicants can still file for disability or retirement benefits online at www.SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Before starting an application, it is helpful to have a list of your doctors, including their addresses and phone numbers.

Claimants with disability claims pending at the initial or reconsideration stages

The disability determination bureaus are processing disability claims. However, if the adjudicators decide they need you to see one of Social Security's doctors for a consultative examination, your claim may be delayed for processing.

Physical consultative examinations are currently on hold due to COVID-19. Social Security is allowing some psychological consultative examinations to take place via video. Unfortunately there is no current timeline for when physical consultative examinations may resume.

Claimants with disability claims pending at the hearings level.

Social Security is currently conducting all hearings via telephone. We have heard from some hearings offices that in-person hearings may not resume until 2021. You have the right to decide whether you want to wait for an in-person hearing or move forward with a telephonic hearing. A lawyer can help answer questions about which might be the best option for you. Contact the Law Office of Sarah Crosby if you have questions about your hearing.