Social Security Video Hearings for Disability Cases
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/06/27 - Updated: 2024/08/31
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: U.S. Social Security - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Video hearings may help with the backlog of SSA disability cases caused by increased demand inadequate funding and under-staffing. Video hearings are conducted from specially set up rooms, with large television screens. The judge remains in his or her office, and the applicant goes to a site that may be conveniently located, closer to where the applicant may live.
Introduction
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been plagued by a backlog for disability hearings for the last half dozen years. Underfunding and under-staffing are part of the cause. Every year from 1998 through 2007, the President's Budget requested less than the Commissioner's requested budget, and Congress appropriated even less than the President's request.
Main Content
The number of pending cases has increased dramatically since 1999, reaching an all-time record high of 768,540 cases in December 2008. Through February 2009, the number dropped slightly to 765,527, but has not dropped below 760,000 since June 2008.
The agency finally obtained funding to hire 147 Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and over 1,000 support staff in 2009, and hired an additional 226 ALJs in 2010. They also implemented a system using video hearings. They created a centralized, National Hearing Center (NHC) to handle electronic files and conduct the video hearings.
How Video Hearings Work
Video hearings are conducted from specially set up rooms, with large television screens. The judge remains in his or her office, and the applicant goes to a site that may be conveniently located, closer to where the applicant may live.
SSA uses the video hearings to balance the workload of ALJs, in an attempt to help reduce the backlog in areas where there is an increased demand for additional hearings.
The goal is to make the video hearing as similar to an in-person hearing as possible. The judge can see the applicant and speak with them and anyone at the hearing, such as an attorney or any witnesses.
The advantage of the video hearing is that it may be scheduled sooner than an in-person appearance. It also may be held at a location closer to the applicant's home, making it easier for witnesses or other people to accompany them.
Fighting a Rising Tide
The recession and the economic difficulties of the past few years have increased pressure on the agency. The SSA demonstrates what happens when funding is inadequate, departments are understaffed and demand increases significantly.
As an example, in 1998, there were 1,087 ALJs available to conduct hearings. This number dropped to 1,018 in 2006, while the number of pending cases more than doubled.
The long wait time and other obstacles to receiving a hearing only reinforce the importance of having an experienced attorney to assist you with the Social Security claims process. A lawyer can advocate on your behalf and work to minimize delays caused by incomplete applications or missing documentation.
Related Information
- How to Get and Not Lose SSDI: This article outlines how to get SSDI benefits and what can deprive you of the right to receive this money.
- SSDI Claims: Consultative Examinations: Consultative examinations are sometimes requested in an effort to obtain the opinions of outside medical professionals in order to evaluate disability claims.
- Factors For Winning SSDI Claims: Age, Employment, Education: SSDI Judges will consider information into their decision-making process, including your age, your work history background, and your level of education.
- Working After SSDI Approval - Disability Employment: This article reviews the basic social security rules concerning earnings after a finding of disability.
- SSI and SSDI Benefits for Children with Disability: Children who are diagnosed as disabled may be eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.