COVID-19 Visitor Procedures Notice - Website Link - Current

IMPORTANT: COVID-19 PROCEDURES
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOUR HEARING DATE
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, you must follow the health and safety guidelines below when
you come to our office for your scheduled hearing.
Please read the information below to prepare for your visit to our hearing office.
Before the Hearing
•

Please review the COVID-19 health-screening checklist located at
www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_inperson.html. If you do not have access to the internet,
please call your local hearing office at the telephone number at the top of this notice for
an explanation of the self-screening questions. Please call the office right away if you
answer yes to any of the health screening questions.
NOTE: The COVID-19 health-screening checklist must be completed no more than 24
hours before your scheduled hearing.

•

If you want to review your file before your hearing, you must call the hearing office at
the number at the top of this notice to make arrangements.

•

Please be on time for your hearing, but please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before
your hearing time. We are limiting the number of people who can be in our public
reception areas. Therefore, we may ask you to wait outside until others leave the office.

•

Generally, only you and your appointed representative, if you have one, may enter the
office. If you need another person with you including a witness to provide evidence or
information that supports your case, please call the hearing office at the number shown at
the top of this notice to make arrangements.

•

Please note that representative/claimant rooms are not available.

•

You may be asked to wear a face mask while in our office including during the hearing.
If you are unable to wear a face mask, please contact our office right away to make
alternate arrangements for your hearing.

On the Day of the Hearing
•

Be sure you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and call the number at the top of this
notice right away if you do.

•

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are limiting the number of people who can be in our
public reception areas. Therefore, please be prepared to wait outside the office.

•

Be prepared to wear a face mask throughout your visit.

•

Adhere to signage requiring physical distancing.

What to Expect During the Hearing
•

Because we are limiting the number of people in each hearing room, generally only the
Administrative Law Judge, you and your appointed representative, if you have one, will
be in the hearing room during the hearing. Any other hearing participants may
participate by telephone.

•

We are taking steps to protect hearing participants from COVID-19. For example, you
may be seated behind a plastic barrier in the hearing room.