Virtual ALJ Hearings Now Available Nationwide — What Claimants Need to Know

After three years of regional pilot programs and the emergency expansions during COVID-19, virtual hearings at Social Security disability hearings are now a permanent, nationwide option. As of April 2026, any claimant at any hearing office can elect to appear before an Administrative Law Judge by video rather than in person. Here's what that means for your appeal.

How We Got Here

The SSA began formal testing of video hearings in 2019, with regional pilots in Kansas City, Chicago, and Seattle. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid expansion in 2020–2021, and what was initially a necessity became a permanent option after data showed no meaningful difference in case outcomes between virtual and in-person hearings.

A 2024 SSA internal review found that approval rates were nearly identical — 58% for in-person versus 57% for video hearings — and that case processing times were meaningfully faster for virtual dockets. The agency formally made virtual hearings available nationwide in early 2026.

How to Request a Virtual Hearing

You don't automatically get a virtual hearing — you have to request it. There are two primary points of contact:

Your attorney (or representative) can request a video hearing when filing the hearing request or at any point after. Most attorneys have standardized language they use to make the request.
If unrepresented, you can call the hearing office directly or send a written request by mail. Be specific: state that you want to appear by video at your ALJ hearing and provide a phone number and email the SSA can use to contact you about logistics.

The request must be made at least 14 days before your scheduled hearing date to ensure enough time to set up the video connection. If you request with less notice, the SSA will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee the video option will be available.

Equipment and Technology Requirements

You don't need expensive equipment, but you do need reliable internet and a device with a camera. The SSA uses a web-based platform — you don't install any special software. You'll receive an email with a link to join the hearing when it's time.

The minimum requirements are:

Device: Laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
Internet: Stable connection — 5 Mbps upload speed is recommended. Mobile data can work but is less reliable
Browser: Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox (updated to the latest version)
Space: A quiet, private location where you can speak without interruption. The judge will see your entire background on video — ensure it's professional and distraction-free

Testing Your Setup Before the Hearing

The SSA recommends testing your equipment 48 hours before the hearing using their online test tool at ssa.gov/hearing-test. This checks your camera, microphone, and internet speed and walks you through the joining process. If the test reveals issues, you can troubleshoot or switch devices before the hearing day.

What Happens During a Virtual Hearing

The format is essentially identical to an in-person hearing. The ALJ will:

Administer the oath (you'll hold up your ID to the camera)
Review the issues and the evidence in your file
Question you about your conditions, treatment, and daily activities
Question your vocational expert (if one is present)
Give your attorney or representative an opportunity to question you and present arguments

One difference: there's typically no visual of the vocational expert or other witnesses on your screen — they may appear by phone while you appear by video. The judge is visible and present just as they would be in a hearing room.

Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Virtual Hearing Pros

No travel — especially valuable if you live far from the hearing office or have mobility limitations
No waiting in a hearing office lobby with strangers
Can have documents and notes physically in front of you (the judge can't see what you're looking at off-screen)
More comfortable home environment can reduce anxiety for some claimants
No taking time off work for travel days

Virtual Hearing Cons

Technical issues can disrupt the hearing — internet drops, audio delays, device failures
Harder to read the judge's reactions and body language on a small screen
Home distractions (delivery, family, pets) can create interruptions
Less formal setting can make some claimants less focused
If you have a representative, they may appear from a different location — coordination matters

Tips for a Successful Virtual Hearing

Test everything twice. Run the SSA's test tool, then test again the morning of the hearing. Have a backup plan — a phone number to call if the video fails, a second device ready to connect.
Use a wired internet connection when possible. WiFi is convenient but Ethernet is more stable. If you must use WiFi, position yourself close to the router.
Lighting matters. Face a window or light source — don't sit with a bright window or lamp behind you. The judge needs to see your face clearly.
Frame your shot. Sit so the camera shows your head and shoulders. Don't tilt the laptop so the judge is looking up your nose or only seeing the top of your head.
Have your documents organized. Unlike in a hearing room where you might pass documents to the judge, you need to be able to quickly reference and describe documents on your own device. Keep your key exhibits accessible in a folder on your desktop.
Mute when not speaking. This reduces background noise and feedback. The mute button is your friend during breaks or while the judge is reviewing documents.
Dress professionally. Even though you're at home, the hearing is formal. Wear what you would wear to an in-person hearing.
Know what to do if you get disconnected. If the video drops, rejoin using the same link. If you can't rejoin, call the hearing office immediately using the number in your hearing notice.

When to Choose In-Person Over Virtual

Virtual hearings work well for many claimants, but they're not right for everyone. Consider requesting an in-person hearing if:

You have limited internet access or are not comfortable with technology
You have difficulty focusing on a screen for extended periods
Your disability makes it hard to sit at a computer for the duration of a hearing (typically 30–90 minutes)
You have a complex case where you believe the judge needs to observe you in person to understand the severity of your condition
You struggle to control your environment at home (noisy neighbors, young children, etc.)

What If the SSA Won't Let You Do Virtual?

While virtual hearings are available nationwide, there may be circumstances where the SSA cannot accommodate a video request — for example, if the hearing office's video equipment is unavailable or if your case requires special accommodations that can't be provided virtually. In such cases, the SSA will notify you and schedule an in-person hearing instead. You cannot be forced to appear virtually if you have a legitimate objection.

The Bottom Line

Virtual hearings are a legitimate, permanent option for SSDI claimants at the ALJ level. They offer real advantages in convenience and accessibility, and the SSA's data suggests case outcomes are essentially the same as in-person hearings. If you're comfortable with the technology and have a suitable environment, requesting a virtual hearing can save you time, travel, and stress.

If you're working with an attorney, discuss your preference early — they'll know whether the specific hearing office's virtual docket is running smoothly and can advise accordingly.

For more on what happens at the ALJ hearing level, see our full guide: ALJ Hearing: What to Expect.