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All Social Security hearing offices remain closed for in-person hearings due to the COVID pandemic. As a result, Social Security is now offering both telephone and video hearings to all claimants. Video and telephone hearings are the only options for claimants during the COVID pandemic.

The thought of testifying in front of a judge can be intimidating. After waiting months or even years for their day in court, most people applying for disability do not know what to expect, or have any idea about the types of questions they will be asked. For most of our clients, the hearing will be the first time they’ve talked to a judge or interacted with the legal system. Understandably this can be a stressful and confusing time, but we work zealously to make sure our clients are confidence and prepared on their hearing day.

Due to the COVID pandemic, all Social Security hearing offices are closed for in-person hearings. According to Social Security, these closures are expected for the foreseeable future. Fortunately Social Security is offering two secure and safe options for your disability hearing so you won’t have to wait.

If you are a Social Security beneficiary, expect to see your benefit increase next year. All SSDI and SSI disability recipients will receive a 1.3 percent COLA for 2021. COLA stands for “Cost of Living Adjustment”. Social Security annually increases benefits to counteract inflation.

The Administration recently released data that shows that claimants who are represented at a hearing have a higher approval rate than those who are unrepresented.

Free consultation – There is no fee for the initial consultation. Our lawyers will ask questions about your disability and work background, explain the Social Security regulations and how your case fits into the law, and go over the timelines for the application and appeals process.

Last week, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the case, Selia Law v. CFPB. The case involved a challenge to invalidate the entire Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency created to prevent predatory lending. Instead of invalidating the entire agency, the Justices focused on the question of whether the president can remove the CFPB’s sitting director “at will.

Because it can take a long time to collect SSDI benefits, many individuals turn to other sources of income as a means of support. One source of income is unemployment benefits.

Each state administers its own Unemployment Insurance program.