Why You Don’t Need A Local Attorney For Your Social Security Disability Claim

When filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many individuals may assume they need to hire an attorney who is physically located near them. However, in today’s digital age, this is no longer necessary. One of the most significant changes in the Social Security Disability claims process is the shift toward telephone hearings with Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). As a result, the geographical location of your attorney has become far less important than it used to be. Here’s why you can—and often should—hire an attorney who may not be based locally to represent you in your Social Security Disability case.

The Evolution of Social Security Disability Hearings

In the past, if you wanted to have your Social Security Disability case heard by an Administrative Law Judge, you needed to attend an in-person hearing at a local Social Security office. This meant you had to find an attorney in your area, and the attorney would need to be physically present to represent you. Many clients felt they were limited in their choice of attorney based on proximity, even if they felt that the attorney was not the best fit for their case.

However, over recent years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has adapted to technological advances and increased demand. One of the most impactful changes has been the introduction of telephone hearings, which became even more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, most hearings are conducted via phone, which means you don’t need to worry about the physical distance between you and your attorney anymore.

How Telephone Hearings Work

A telephone hearing is very similar to an in-person hearing but without the need for either the claimant or their attorney to travel to a specific location. Here’s how it works:

• Scheduling: The SSA schedules a time for the hearing and contacts all parties involved. Both the claimant and their attorney receive a phone call at the scheduled time.
• Call with the ALJ: The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presides over the hearing from their location, and the claimant and attorney are connected via telephone.
• Testimony and Evidence: During the hearing, the claimant provides their testimony, medical evidence is presented, and the ALJ asks questions to both the claimant and the attorney. The process is no different from an in-person hearing in terms of the information discussed and the testimony presented.

This system allows individuals to participate in hearings from the comfort of their own homes or anywhere with a phone, reducing travel time, expenses, and logistical challenges that were once associated with in-person hearings.

Why Local Attorneys Aren’t Always Necessary

1. Accessibility of Experienced Attorneys: With the rise of telephone hearings, Social Security Disability attorneys can now represent clients across the country. This opens the door to working with highly skilled attorneys who may not be located in your immediate geographic area. An experienced attorney, even if they are based in a different state, may have more expertise in handling Social Security Disability cases and can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system more effectively than a local attorney with less experience.
2. Reduced Travel and Time Commitment: Telephone hearings save you and your attorney the time and expense of travel. For claimants who live in remote areas or have mobility issues, attending an in-person hearing could be costly or even impossible. By handling the case via phone, you eliminate these barriers and make the entire process more convenient.
3. No Loss of Quality: The absence of face-to-face interaction in telephone hearings does not diminish the quality of representation. Your attorney can still prepare you thoroughly, review all necessary documentation, and communicate effectively with the ALJ. In fact, many Social Security Disability attorneys have become adept at handling these cases remotely, offering clients the same high-quality service regardless of physical distance.
4. Consistency Across Hearings: Whether it’s an in-person hearing, a video hearing, or a telephone hearing, the process is largely the same. The ALJ evaluates the evidence, listens to the testimony, and makes a decision based on the facts. Your attorney can still argue on your behalf, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence with the same efficiency, regardless of whether they are in the same room as the judge or speaking over the phone.
5. Wider Pool of Attorneys to Choose From: By removing the constraint of finding a local attorney, you open up the possibility of finding someone with specific experience in your type of case. There are numerous attorneys nationwide who specialize in Social Security Disability law and who are familiar with the intricacies of the system. They may have a higher success rate in handling cases like yours, so you can feel more confident about the legal representation you’re getting.

The Bottom Line

In today’s world, hiring a local attorney for your Social Security Disability claim is no longer a necessity. Thanks to the prevalence of telephone hearings, you have access to a wider pool of experienced attorneys from anywhere in the country. Whether your attorney is just down the street or across the country, they can represent you just as effectively in a telephone hearing.

If you’re considering filing for Social Security Disability benefits, don’t limit yourself to local attorneys. Take advantage of the opportunity to hire the best attorney for your case, regardless of location. With telephone hearings, the distance between you and your attorney becomes irrelevant, ensuring you get the legal support you need without the geographical constraints.