Video hearings more common these days

The Advent of SSDI Video Hearings

Like much of the US corporate world, the Social Security Administration has come to understand the benefits of video teleconferencing. In effort to cure the backlog of cases, the SSA implemented video hearings within the last few years, and such video hearings have become more and more common.

By implementing the use of video hearings for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim hearings, the SSA has been able to greatly reduce the typical two to three-year average case length. However, it is important to understand that if and when you are approved through this newer method for SSDI benefits, the wait for payments to begin is the same.

But the video hearings spur many questions from claimants who receive notice that their hearing is to be held via video. If you are a lupus disability claimant and have received notice that your hearing is to be held via video, please rest assured that this is a perfectly good method for doing a hearing. You will still have a chance to present your case to a Judge, the only difference is that he or she may be hundreds of miles away. But in my experience, doing a hearing over video does not seem to have any negative drawbacks (unless you are truly uncomfortable with this technological medium and simply prefer a face to face interaction with a Judge).

If you have an upcoming video hearing for your Lupus case and do want to change this, then simply contact your attorney and/or the SSA and you actually have the choice to have this changed to a traditional hearing. Be warned, however, that changing your type of hearing may result in your having to wait many more months before you are able to get your Lupus Disability case heard before an ALJ.