The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been one of the government agencies that have openly embraced technology. From online Social Security Disability applications to video disability hearings, the SSA has been successful in implementing a number of technology advances in order to streamline their processes. Many Social Security Disability applicants wonder exactly what happens at a disability hearing, and many more wonder what happens at a video disability hearing and how different a video disability hearing is from a traditional disability hearing. The information below will provide you with some valuable insights.
What Is a Video Disability Hearing?
A video disability hearing is a disability hearing that is conducted via video conference rather than in person in front of the administrative law judge who will be deciding your case. At this hearing, the judge overseeing your case will determine whether or not you should be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.
What is the Difference between a Video Disability Hearing and a Traditional Disability Hearing?
The only difference between a video disability hearing and a traditional disability hearing is that at a video disability hearing the judge is not actually in the room. However, just because the judge is not in the room with you does not mean that the judge cannot see or hear you. Due to video conferencing technology, the judge can see you and observe your demeanor and behavior, even zooming in and out when necessary.
Are There Any Advantages to a Video Disability Hearing?
There are indeed advantages to choosing a video disability hearing option; the most important of which is that selecting this option can get you a hearing date sooner than if you choose to go with a traditional hearing setting. In addition, the location that you need to go to in order to attend the hearing is usually closer to your home when you select the video disability hearing option.
Are There Any Disadvantages to a Video Disability Hearing?
In all honesty, there are no disadvantages to selecting the video disability hearing option. Some people may be uncomfortable with the technology, but the video disability hearing is conducted in the same way as a traditional disability hearing and can save a claimant a lot of time in regards to waiting to be seen before an administrative law judge.
Should I Have an Attorney Present?
Whether you select the video disability hearing option or a traditional disability hearing, it is always important that you have proper legal representation. Choosing a video disability hearing does not in any way reduce the importance of the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. While it is true that your chances of being awarded benefits as a result of this hearing are greater than not, it is also true that those chances drastically decrease if you try to represent yourself. Because of this, it is important that you retain the services of a Social Security Disability lawyer to represent you during your video disability hearing.
