SSA Scheduling changes beginning May 1, 2017

If you are scheduled for hearing on May 1, 2017 or later, you will be experiencing a few changes with SSA. Previously SSA had to notify individuals 20 days prior to hearing, but beginning May 1, 2017, SSA will be required to give notice 75 days before the date of the hearing. This will give individuals ample time to obtain any missing medical records and to ensure they are prepared to go before the Administrative Law Judge.

Also on or after May 1, 2017, SSA is now requiring all evidence must be submitted at least 5 business days before the hearing date. Up until now most of the time you were able to get away with submitting evidence last minute with little to no problems. If you are unable to submit the medical evidence 5 business days before the hearing date, you must notify SSA of any missing evidence and the reasoning of why the evidence is not able to be submitted timely. The Judge will consider late evidence if their action misled you, a physical, mental, educational or linguistic limitations prevents you from submitting evidence earlier or is some unusual, unexpected or unavoidable circumstance beyond your control prevented you from obtaining evidence. The Judge will not consider evidence if you do not meet one of these reasons. This will give the Judges more time to review the cases prior to the hearing