COVID to Continue to Delay In-Person Hearings

One of the largest impacts of COVID has been the delay for those seeking an in-person hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Due to continued delays for those seeking to be face to fact with a judge, the likelihood of not having that face to face encounter any time soon is a reality.

Interestingly enough, many of the judges (and all federal employees) have become accustomed to hearing cases out of their own home and over the telephone with claimants and their attorneys. In reality, almost all claimants, their attorneys, and the judges would say this has worked out pretty good so far.

The problem is that some claimants actually need a judge to see them in order to fully understand their condition. Due to lack of resources, medical records just don't do the claimant's condition justice. It's only after the judge sees the claimant in-person, that he or she fully understands the significance of the impairment which keeps the claimant from working.

If this is the case for some, then there are only 2 options: (1) Wait. Wait until the hearing offices reopen. But, you'll have to be patient; or (2) take your chance doing your hearing over the telephone.

Good luck to whichever you choose. If you need a pretty good attorney, give me call: (888) 780-9125.