You Don’t Need to Go to Court (Most Hearings Are by Phone or Video)

No Courtroom Stress

Many people worry about “going to court” for a Social Security appeal. The truth is, disability hearings are not like TV courtroom trials—they’re informal, private, and often not even in a courthouse.

Today, most hearings are done by phone or video. That means you can participate from your home, or in some cases from a local Social Security office, without long drives or intimidating courtrooms. Even before remote hearings became common, these hearings took place in small conference rooms, not open courts.

What a Hearing Is Really Like

A disability hearing is more like a structured conversation than a trial. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll speak with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

• No jury, no opposing lawyer, and no public audience.

• Usually just you, your attorney, the judge, and sometimes a vocational or medical expert.

• The judge will ask questions about your work history, medical issues, and daily life.

• Your attorney will prepare you ahead of time and may ask follow-up questions to clarify your answers.

The tone is respectful, and judges understand you’re dealing with serious health issues. Think of it more as an important interview—not a courtroom battle.

Phone and Video Hearings – Easier for You

Since 2020, phone and video have become the default options. You can:

• Join a phone hearing by calling a secure conference line.

• Join a video hearing on Microsoft Teams, similar to Zoom.

• Request an in-person hearing if you prefer, but those are less common.

These options make the process more accessible—especially if you have mobility challenges, health concerns, or live far from a hearing office. Clients often tell us remote hearings feel much less stressful than traveling to a courthouse.

You Still Get Your Day to Be Heard

Many people worry that if their hearing is by phone or video, the judge won’t really “hear” their story. Don’t worry—the judges are used to remote hearings and give you plenty of time to speak. What matters most isn’t being in the same room, but being well-prepared.

Before the hearing, Shawn Taylor will prepare a legal summary of your case and make sure the judge has all your medical updates. During the hearing, he’ll guide the conversation, highlight key facts, and make sure nothing important gets overlooked. Whether it’s by phone, video, or in person, the rules and decision process are exactly the same.

How We Prepare You

Preparation is the key to feeling confident. Shawn will meet with you in advance to go over likely questions, practice your answers, and help you explain your symptoms clearly. We often do a “mock hearing” so you know what to expect. On the day of the hearing, Shawn will be right there with you—on the call or video—making sure your case is presented strongly and respectfully. If experts testify about jobs you might be able to do, Shawn will challenge them with the medical evidence.

Reducing Stress & Making Accommodations

We understand hearings can be stressful. If you have anxiety, mobility issues, or other health concerns, remote hearings make the process easier. Social Security also provides accommodations—for example, interpreters, closed captioning, or breaks if you need them. Most hearings last about an hour, and while the decision comes by mail later, many clients feel immediate relief just from having their story heard.

The Bottom Line

Social Security hearings aren’t like courtroom dramas. They’re private, informal, and focused on your health—not on putting you “on trial.” Shawn Taylor will handle the hard parts—communicating with the judge, questioning experts, and keeping everything on track—so you can focus on telling your story and taking care of yourself.

You don’t have to face this process alone, and you definitely don’t have to face a courtroom. With the right preparation and support, your hearing can be a manageable, even reassuring step toward getting the benefits you deserve.