Coronavirus

Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

We are only having our clients appear at hearings telephonically from their homes. The President has declared a National public health emergency due to the Coronavirus. Similarly, the Governor of New York, Mayor of New York City, and Long Island Counterparts have called in the National Guard, closed schools and health clubs, restricted bars and restaurants from operating, and have taken other measures because of the Coronavirus. Some district office Social Security has been closed indefinitely.

Because of these extraordinary circumstances, I have been advocating that my clients and I only appear by telephone. Since Social Security hearing experts appear by telephone even when there is no public health crisis, having claimants and their counsel appear telephonically should not pose a problem. Appearing telephonically is obviously required for claimants who are at increased risk, such as those over 60 years of age, with respiratory problems, or with compromised immune systems.

The telephone appearances will obviate the need to postpone hearings. Since claimants have been waiting years for a hearing already telephonic testimony is more sensible than postponing hearings. Postponing hearings is also an inadequate solution because most claimants are in dire financial straits.

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