Choosing the Best Format for Your Social Security Disability Hearing: Telephone, Video, or In-Person?

At the Law Office of Christopher Le, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of Social Security Disability (SSD) claims. One key decision you'll face during the appeals process is how to conduct your hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers three main options: telephone (audio-only), video, or in-person. While each has its merits, we generally recommend telephone hearings for most clients. In this post, we'll break down the pros and cons of each format and explain why audio-only is often the smartest choice—unless you have a highly visible disability that could benefit from being seen.

Understanding Your SSD Hearing Options

When your initial SSD application is denied (as happens in about 70% of cases), the next step is often a hearing before an ALJ. This is your chance to present evidence, testify about your condition, and explain why you qualify for benefits. The SSA has adapted to modern technology, especially post-COVID, by offering flexible hearing formats:

• Telephone (Audio-Only): A phone call where you, your attorney, the judge, and any experts participate via voice alone.

• Video: A virtual meeting using platforms like Microsoft Teams, where participants can see each other on screen.

• In-Person: A traditional face-to-face hearing at an SSA office or hearing location.

  
  

The choice isn't always entirely yours—the SSA may assign a format based on availability—but you can request your preference. Our firm helps clients navigate these requests to align with what's best for their case.

Why We Recommend Telephone Hearings for Most Clients

In our experience representing countless SSD claimants, telephone hearings stand out as the preferred option for several compelling reasons:

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Hearings can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're dealing with chronic pain, mental health issues, or mobility challenges. An audio-only format lets you participate from the comfort of your home without worrying about travel, appearance, or technical glitches. No need to dress up or manage video angles—just focus on your words. This can lead to clearer, more confident testimony, which is crucial since the ALJ bases decisions largely on how credible and consistent you sound.

2. Focus on Substance Over Appearance

In a telephone hearing, the judge evaluates your case based on medical records, expert opinions, and your verbal description of your limitations. There's no risk of unconscious bias from visual cues, such as how you look on a "bad day" or minor fidgeting that might be misinterpreted. We've seen cases where video or in-person formats inadvertently highlight unrelated factors, potentially distracting from the core evidence.

3. Logistical Simplicity

No travel means no dealing with traffic, parking, or public transportation—especially beneficial if your disability affects mobility. Telephone hearings are also easier to schedule and less prone to delays from weather or technical issues. Plus, if you need breaks during the hearing (common for conditions like fibromyalgia or migraines), it's simpler to manage over the phone.

4. Comparable Success Rates

Data from the SSA shows that approval rates don't significantly differ across formats. What matters most is strong preparation, solid evidence, and effective advocacy—areas where our firm excels. We've secured approvals for clients in all formats, but telephone hearings often feel like a "level playing field."

When Video or In-Person Might Be Worth Considering

While telephone is our default recommendation, there are scenarios where showing your disability visually could strengthen your case. This is particularly true if you have a visible impairment that isn't fully conveyed through words alone. For example:

• Use of a Wheelchair or Mobility Aids: If your condition involves obvious physical limitations, like relying on a wheelchair, an in-person or video hearing allows the judge to see these directly. This can make your testimony more impactful, as the visual reinforces your description of daily struggles.

• Missing Limbs or Severe Scarring: Conditions with clear external manifestations, such as amputations or disfigurements, benefit from being observed. In these cases, video (or in-person if feasible) can humanize your claim and underscore the severity without needing excessive explanation.

  
  

Even here, we weigh the pros against potential downsides. Video hearings require reliable internet and a quiet space, and technical issues can arise. In-person hearings add travel burdens, which might exacerbate your symptoms. We'll discuss these trade-offs during your consultation to decide if deviating from telephone makes sense.

Potential Drawbacks of Video and In-Person Hearings

To be thorough, let's address why we steer most clients away from these:

• Video Hearings: While convenient, they introduce variables like poor lighting, background distractions, or connectivity problems. Judges might misinterpret body language, and if your disability isn't visibly apparent, it could unintentionally weaken your case.

• In-Person Hearings: These are the most traditional but often the most burdensome. Travel can be exhausting or impossible, and the formal setting might heighten anxiety. Post-pandemic, they're less common, with many SSA offices prioritizing remote options for efficiency.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Prioritize What Works for Your Case

At the Law Office of Christopher Le, our goal is to maximize your chances of SSD approval while minimizing stress. For the vast majority of clients, a telephone hearing offers the best balance of effectiveness and ease. However, if your disability has a strong visual component—like wheelchair use or a missing limb—we might recommend video or in-person to let the evidence speak for itself.

Every case is unique, so we tailor our advice based on your specific situation. If you're preparing for an SSD hearing or need help with your claim, contact us today for a free consultation. We're here to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Christopher Le is an experienced SSD attorney dedicated to helping disabled individuals navigate the SSA system. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.