Principal Attorney
The Social Security Disability hearing process did not change between 2025 and 2026. The SSA didn’t introduce any new hearing rules for 2026. The most recent changes to the hearing system, which took effect in late 2024, affect how the SSA schedules hearings and how claimants attend them. The SSA is currently considering possible future updates through its regulatory agenda, but none of the latest proposals apply yet. For now, hearings in 2026 follow the same structure, rules, and expectations that applied throughout 2025.
Remote vs. In-Person Hearings: The Four Standard Formats
Before 2024, the SSA treated remote hearings as exceptional or temporary workarounds. But following a recent change that went into effect on November 23, 2024, the SSA now includes remote hearings as one of its four standard options. These options include:
- In-person hearings
- Telephone hearings
- Video hearings at an SSA site
- Online video hearings using approved platforms
Social Security selects the initial format when it schedules a hearing, but claimants have the right to object if the proposed format would create problems. Many hearings now occur remotely, but in-person hearings are still available. The key difference from previous years involves how the SSA presents and confirms these options at the start of the process.
The “Notice of Ways to Attend” Letter
Since the new 2024 rule went into effect, the SSA now sends a separate notice that explains how a claimant may attend whenever it schedules a hearing. This notice lists the available formats and explains how to respond. The notice also sets deadlines for objections. Claimants must act within the specified deadline if the listed format does not work for them.
How to Respond to a Hearing Format You Don’t Want
The SSA allows you to object to a proposed hearing format if it won’t work for you. Your objection must follow the instructions in your Notice of Ways to Attend and meet the applicable deadline. In your objection, you may raise issues related to medical conditions, communication limits, or access to technology. The SSA will review your objection and decide whether to change the format. If you ignore the notice or miss the response window, it could limit your options later. An attorney can help you review the notice carefully and respond in a clear and timely manner if the proposed format would be problematic.
What Hasn’t Changed About SSD Hearings in 2026
Many core parts of the SSD hearing process remain the same. Administrative law judges still lead hearings and review medical evidence. These judges still ask questions about work history, symptoms, and daily activities. Vocational and medical experts may still testify. Claimants still need strong medical evidence to support their claims. The hearings still focus on how the claimant’s condition affects their ability to work.
Is Social Security Planning More Changes?
The SSA continues to evaluate ways to update its system for efficiency, fairness, and accessibility. Its regulatory agenda includes one current proposal for improvements to the disability adjudication process. If finalized, it could affect how disability decision-makers apply work-related evidence during disability evaluations. However, the SSA has not published a final version of this rule, and it does not yet apply to 2026 hearings. For now, the SSA continues to use its existing sequential evaluation process for disability claims.
Let Us Help You Handle Your Hearing with Confidence
The SSA updates its hearing rules more often than most people expect. At Disability Advocates Group, we stay on top of every change so you don’t have to. If you have a hearing coming up, we can help you prepare the right way and show up with confidence. Contact us for your free consultation today to learn more about how we can support you.