What Happens If I Miss My Disability Hearing?

If you miss your disability hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will likely assume that you no longer wish to pursue your claim. In most cases, they will dismiss your case, which means your application for Social Security Disability benefits will be denied.

However, this doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. You can take action to get your case reconsidered or even rescheduled, but you’ll need to act quickly.

What to Do If You Missed Your Disability Hearing

Contact the SSA Immediately

• If you miss your disability hearing, the first thing you should do is contact the SSA immediately. You need to inform them of your situation and explain why you missed the hearing.
• It’s crucial that you contact the SSA as soon as possible to explain the circumstances. You can reach the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or through your SSA online account. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of resolving the issue.

Request a Rescheduled Hearing

• If you have a valid reason for missing the hearing (such as illness, transportation issues, or an emergency), you can request that the SSA reschedule your hearing.
• Valid reasons may include:
• You were hospitalized.
• You were unable to travel due to illness or medical conditions.
• There was a family emergency.
• You will need to provide evidence of why you missed the hearing, such as a doctor’s note or any other supporting documentation.

File a Request for “Good Cause”

• If you missed the hearing, the SSA may allow you to request a new hearing based on “good cause”. The SSA will review the reason why you missed the hearing and determine whether your reason is acceptable.
• If the SSA determines that you had good cause, they may reschedule your hearing and continue processing your case. Examples of good cause include:
• Serious illness or injury that prevented you from attending.
• Lack of transportation or accessibility to the hearing location.
• A family emergency or other unavoidable circumstance.
• Be prepared to provide evidence to prove your claim for good cause, such as medical records or a letter from your doctor.

Appeal the Dismissal

• If your claim is dismissed after missing the hearing, you have the right to appeal the decision. The first step is to file a “Request for Reconsideration” or Request to Appeal.
• You can submit your appeal within 60 days of receiving the dismissal notice. The SSA will then review your case and decide whether your reason for missing the hearing is acceptable.
• If your appeal is accepted, your case will be reopened, and your hearing will be rescheduled.

Stay in Touch with Your Attorney

• If you have a Social Security Disability attorney, contact them immediately after missing the hearing. An attorney can help you navigate the process and communicate with the SSA on your behalf.
• Having legal representation can improve your chances of getting the hearing rescheduled and making sure that all necessary documentation is submitted on time.

How to Avoid Missing Your Disability Hearing in the Future

While it’s possible to have your hearing rescheduled after missing it, preventing this situation is the best approach. Here are some tips to avoid missing your disability hearing in the future:

• Double-Check Your Hearing Date: Make sure you have the correct date and time for your hearing. Keep the notice from the SSA in a safe place and set reminders.
• Arrange for Transportation in Advance: If transportation is a concern, plan ahead and make arrangements before the hearing.
• Prepare for Delays: Give yourself extra time to arrive at the hearing location to account for unexpected delays.
• Notify the SSA in Advance: If you know that you may miss the hearing due to unavoidable circumstances, notify the SSA as soon as possible to reschedule.