SSDI Video Hearings Cases

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Published: 2010-05-24 - Updated: 2013-06-08
Author: Jonathan Ginsberg
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Library of Related Papers: Disability Insurance Publications

Synopsis: The implementation of SSDI video hearings has done a great deal to speed up the process. The implementation of SSDI video hearings has done a great deal to speed up the process.

Main Digest

The implementation of SSDI video hearings has done a great deal to speed up the process.

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The onset of video hearing centers

In the past couple of years, there have been significant technological advancements made in SSDI cases and hearings. We are referring to the implementation of video hearing centers. The benefit to those who are applying for SSDI benefits is that the typical 2 to 3 year wait has been dramatically reduced. Many disabilities viewed this as advantageous to handling more clients than what they were normally used to dealing with. At the business and corporate level, video conferencing has become a very popular operational tool.

Although the implementation of the video hearing has done a great deal to speed up the process, it has done nothing to increase how quickly you start receiving your SSDI benefits once you are approved for them. Insufficient staffing in the numerous hearing offices was primarily responsible for the delays that most individuals were encountering during the application process.

Complaints which led to the development of video hearings

The biggest complaint regarding this stage of the process was three-fold as follows:

disability attorneys were not permitted by the SSA to draft favorable decisions

inefficient processing of claims based on the fact that staff members were never present at disability hearings yet were responsible for rendering the decision

insufficient staffing at the different hearing offices

Where the first point above is concerned, most attorneys were of the opinion that if this was allowed, it would drastically reduce the burden at the hands of the administration incurred by SSA office staff members. Additionally, the process of payment disbursement would be dramatically sped up. From the standpoint of the individual who is desperately in need of receiving SSDI benefits, this is considerably better than the average 2 to 3 year waiting period that many individuals experience.

Additional considerations where video hearings are concerned

At the end of the initial hearing, the ALJ or judge may render a decision one way or the other. Remember that even if his ruling is a favorable one, it doesn't take effect until it is put in writing. In some areas this could entail a 3 to 6 month wait before you receive the decision in writing. This is not what the claimant needs as they are most likely struggling to make financial ends meet as it is. Again, this is reason enough to hire the services of an experienced and qualified disability attorney in order to assist you with your claim. About the Author

Jonathan Ginsberg has been practicing Social Security Disability law in the Atlanta, Georgia area for over 20 years. His website can be found at www.atlantasocialsecuritydisabilityattorney.net

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