Good Afternoon,
I hope you and all of your families are staying safe during this unique and unusual time. As the Covid 19 pandemic has spread we have all found our lives altered in various ways. Social security and the way they conduct business has changed along with most everything else.
Currently Social Security has closed its field office for walk in services meaning you are not able to go to your local office to either apply for benefits or conduct any business.
Social security is also not currently conducting in person hearings in front of administrative law judges at the present time. Hearing are being held telephonically for the foreseeable future. While this provides some obvious complications, I do feel as though the telephonic hearings are effective in most circumstances. However, we can opt out of telephone hearings and wait for in-person hearing to resume if that is the claimants choice or if their particular circumstance calls for it.
Here at Bailey and Galyen we remain committed to providing excellent social security representation through these difficult times. If you are disabled and unable to work and struggling to navigate the ever changing waters please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation. We continue to offer in person consultations with appropriate social distancing precautions by appointment. We also offer a variety of teleconference alternatives and phone consultations to ease your social security application process.
While SSA offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, they remain committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. The administration recommends you first try their online services portal at SSA.GOV or calling them at the automated help line at 1-800-772-1213.
Unfortunately. with uncertainty comes an opportunity for malicious scammers to take advantage of the public and obtain money and/or personal information. Please be aware that if you receive any calls claiming to be from the social security administration offering money or gift cards in exchange for personal information it is most likely a scam. Similarly if you receive a letter, call, or email threatening the suspension of benefits this is also a scam. The administration has assured representatives and the public that no suspension or discontinuation of benefits will occur while their offices are closed to the public.
Additionally the social security administration is extending deadlines when ever possible and in their words “providing maximum flexibility in applying their good cause policy for extending time limits for filing appeals and other actions during the pandemic. Now more than ever it is important to have an experienced compassionate legal team managing your social security disability claim. I f you are struggling or have questions please to not hesitate contact the law office of Bailey and Galyen so we can join the fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
