Effective March 17, 2020, the Social Security Administration took steps to protect employees and citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak. With reference to Social Security Disability adjudication, all hearing offices are closed during the pandemic. The Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) will continue to conduct social security disability appeal hearings, but those hearings will be conducted by phone.
Although SSA offices are closed, SSA will continue processing cases, issuing decisions, and conducting hearings by telephone.
If you have been scheduled for a hearing and you desire to have an in-person hearing, SSA is permitting individuals to postpone and reschedule hearings to a later date and time.   In other words, claimant will not be required to proceed with phone hearings, if they choose not to. Currently in Central Pennsylvania, these reschedules are scheduling approximately three or more months out. Additionally, waivers are available for claimant to reschedule hearings if they do not have capability to hold a phone hearing. Claimant with scheduled hearings SHOULD NOT report to hearing locations.
If you are a Mooney Law client and need to discuss whether you should proceed with a phone hearing or delay your hearing, Mooney Law remains operational by remote services. Simply call our office and Attorney Carolyn Anner will be in touch with you to discuss your case.  Attorney Anner will evaluate your specific case to determine which is the best avenue to move forward with your hearing .
Finally, SSA is still processing new applications. If you need to apply for social security disability benefits, contact Mooney Law for a FREE phone consultation today. Legal problem don’t stop. Neither does Mooney Law. Call us today at 717-200-HELP or 833-MOONEYLAW or drop us an email at info@mooney4law.com. You can Count on Mooney. Mooney Law serves disability clients throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
