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HOW COVID HAS CHANGED DISABILILTY (SSDI)

COVID-19 has changed Social Security and the Disability System.  The agency is trying to adapt to a new set of procedural rules required by the pandemic.  Here are some of the changes.

1.  SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES ARE CLOSED.  You can no longer visit any Social Security office in the United States.  They are closed to the public and doors are locked.  You may still conduct business by telephone, on a limited basis, or on the internet at www.socialsecurity.com.

2.  YOU CANNOT HAVE AN IN-PERSON HEARING.  Currently hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs) are only held by telephone conference call, not in person.  The judge, the claimant, the representative and the vocational witness all appear via telephone. Rumor has it that they will try to switch from telephone hearings to video hearings by December, 2020.  We'll see.

3.  MANY SSA EMPLOYEES WORK FROM HOME.  Many employees of the Social Security Administration, including judges, now work from home.  Judges hold hearings by telephone from their homes.

4.  MANY SERVICES HAVE BECOME SLOWER.  Social Security has never been known for speed.   Like all government agencies, they pride themselves on taking a long time to get something done.  However, with the pandemic, slow has become slower and slower in most cases.

Most claimants with disability claims have always found it advantageous to get an attorney or representative to handle their case.  Now, with the pandemic raging, it's even more important to be represented by someone who knows the system.  Remember, you cannot be charged a legal fee for representation unless (a) you win your claim and (b) you collect back pay or past due benefits.

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The Forsythe Firm

7027 Old Madison Pike     Suite 108    Huntsville, AL 35806

Call (256-799-0297)

WEBSITE

 

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