As of June 1, 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has resumed in-person disability hearings on a limited basis, subject to strict COVID protocols, including mask mandates, limited hearing room capacity, hearings scheduled each day and hearing office access to non-claimants and physical barriers between the ALJ, attorney and claimant. Only certain case types will be initially scheduled for in-person hearings, including aged cases and child SSI claims. Over time, additional in-person hearings for all case types will be scheduled, depending on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Claimants who wish to have an in-person hearing will be granted that right, but delays should be expected due to the COVID-19 protocols currently in place. For claimants who do not want an in-person hearing or do not wish to have their hearing delayed, SSA will continue to offer the opportunity to have their disability hearings online through the Microsoft Teams video platform or over the telephone in a conference call format. For more information about whether a Social Security disability telephone hearing is right for you, click here. If you have questions about in-person hearings or which hearing format works best for you, please contact the disability attorneys at Henson Fuerst today.