- Michael Burry
- Jul 09, 2025
If you have a Social Security disability hearing, you may be feeling uncertain about different questions that they may ask and how to answer those questions over the phone.
To help you answer questions that an administrative law judge (ALJ) may ask, you need to follow some steps and tips that may guide you in the best possible way.
Steps to Prepare for a Disability Hearing Over the Phone
Preparing for a disability hearing over the phone involves various steps. By following these steps, you may be successful in proving your disability claim.
- Retain a Social Security Disability Lawyer.
- Gather the relevant medical records and documentation.
- Before the disability hearing starts, submit all new medical evidence, if any, to the Social Security Administration.
- You must be familiar with the disability case and medical records. You can even reread your medical documentation or records to provide answers to the SSA's questions.
- Anticipate some delays on the day of the hearing. To avoid any delays, you must avoid making calls where the WiFi connection is weak.
For the disability hearing over the phone, you need an attorney, a vocational expert, and a disability judge.
Can You Have a Disability Hearing Over the Phone?
Yes, people can conduct Social Security disability hearings over the phone. However, people may also choose to have an in-person meeting at an administrative court.
Pros of Disability Hearing Over the Phone
| Parameters | Benefits |
| Comfort | Discussing your disability over the phone allows being in the comfortable environment of your home. |
| Quicker Hearing Date | By the use of disability hearing over the phone, you may get a date sooner than an in-person hearing. |
| No Travel Hassles | You can avoid traveling in traffic, dealing with parking, walking to the hearing office, and handle security of the court. |
| Objective decision making | The judge will decide your disability claim on the basis of testimony, file, and medical records rather than your physical appearance. |
Cons of Telephone Hearings
| Parameters | Benefits |
| Case Transfer | The disability case can be transferred to any hearing office in the country. |
| Communication Barriers | In case your internet is slow or is showing bad service, it may hinder accurate communication with the Judge. |
What Should I Expect During a Disability Phone Hearing?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the following instructions:
- Swear in all the disability applicants.
- Listen carefully to the testimony and witnesses, if any are present.
- Asking necessary questions regarding the disability
- Providing you with an opportunity to ask questions while the hearing is going on.
Important Tips for Disability Phone Hearings
Here are some essential tips to follow when conducting disability phone hearings:
- Ensuring a quiet environment during the phone call is crucial.
- The applicant must ensure that they keep the hour before and after the hearing free. The applicant does this to avoid missing any portion of the disability hearing.
- Make sure your phone is capable of receiving calls from unregistered numbers. It is because the SSA office may call from an unregistered number.
- If the judge asks questions about your past work history, review it carefully.
How do I Choose What Type of Hearing to Attend?
After filing your hearing request, ensure to include the right telephone number or email address. You must sign and write the date on the form. Once completed, please return the form to the designated hearing office.
You need to agree to the phone hearing option; the hearing office cannot schedule the remote hearing. You must submit the form before the hearing date. You must choose the type of hearing according to your disability.
- Mild impairment
- Moderate impairment
- Severe impairment
- Profound impairment
Best Practices for Disability Phone Hearings
A successful disability video hearing requires consideration of the following points:
- Choose a trustworthy device such as a desktop or mobile phone.
- Try to be well-versed in Microsoft Teams. Install it before the hearing.
- To avoid any confusion, log in prior to the hearing time.
- Before the hearing, you must accept the calendar invitation to the disability hearing.
- Before the hearing, charge the device you plan to use.
- When you respond to the judge, you must look at the camera on your device.
- Try to set up the camera at eye level and keep it on a hard surface such as a countertop or desk.
How to Get Help with a Successful phone-based Disability Hearing?
When you are approaching a phone-based disability hearing, you need to do thorough research and assessment. You need to analyze both advantages and challenges. However, a Social Security Disability Lawyer will prepare you for phone-based hearings, which are different from the normal hearing process. They will further help to present your evidence efficiently and provide expert guidance that will make your claim successful.
FAQ’s on Disability Hearing over the phone
1 . What were the questions asked during the disability hearing?
One of the main questions judges ask is about disability, daily activities, past and present medical history, appointments, and previous work history.
2. How long does it take to get a disability hearing?
The disability hearing duration may vary. However, scheduling a phone hearing is faster compared to in-person hearings.
3. How long does a disability hearing take?
A disability hearing may take 60 minutes or even longer.
4. What happens after a disability hearing?
After the disability hearing, you will find out whether you have qualified for disability or not. If the decision rejects you, you have the option to appeal.
5. What happens if you miss your Social Security disability hearing?
If you fail to attend your social security disability hearing, the court will dismiss your case. However, if you provide a valid reason for your absence from the hearing, the court will not dismiss your case. You must respond to the notice within 10 days stating the cause of failing to appear. Furthermore, you can even contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
6. How long does it take for the results to be out after a telephone or video disability hearing?
There are no deadlines to set for writing their decisions. You must wait one or two months to get a final decision, depending on the caseload of the judge.
7. How do I reschedule my disability hearing?
You must contact the hearing office as soon as possible. If you present a compelling reason for rescheduling at a later date, the hearing office may permit you to schedule the hearing.
8. How do you submit evidence during a telephone or video disability hearing?
The Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) uses an electronic filing system known as Electronic Records Express (ERE). Before the hearing, your lawyer must have access to ERE. They will use the system to submit updated records, and they will thoroughly analyze your file to avoid submitting redundant information. If the claimant doesn't have legal representation, they can utilize a barcode to fax the updated documents and medical evidence prior to your hearing.