The Social Security Administration’s 1,230 offices have been closed to the public for almost two years due to the pandemic. While people can still access the Social Security Administration through their website or by contacting a local office by phone, the closing of their physical offices created challenges for the 43 million benefit recipients who rely on visiting their offices.
Their shift to a virtual office further complicated the process for those filing for Social Security disability benefits. For example, all disability hearings before Administrative Law Judges during the past two years have been held remotely through video conferencing instead of in person. This led to many complications with technology and scheduling. Additionally, the Social Security Administration is also taking longer to process applications. As a result, many people are not receiving their appropriate benefits timely.
When the Social Security Administration transitioned to serving people remotely, the Marasco & Nesselbush team immediately familiarized themselves with the Social Security Administration’s new processes and technology. The Marasco & Nesselbush team worked closely with the Social Security Administration through these challenges and stayed up to date on any adjustments that the Social Security Administration made to accommodate their new virtual format.
Despite required adjustments with the Social Security Administrations processes, glitches with new technology, adjustments in scheduling procedures, and working through learning curves, the Marasco & Nesselbush team has successfully provided extraordinary legal care throughout the pandemic. Marasco & Nesselbush Attorney, Nicklyn Dolphin, said, “We are grateful to have been able to work closely with the Social Security Administration recognizing the challenges they faced to create new processes and utilize new technology. We are also grateful to our clients for their ability to adapt. Being flexible and understanding has been a key to continuing to help our Social Security clients navigate the Social Security disability process and obtain favorable decisions through these past two years.”
Face-to-face discussions will always be the best, and meeting in person will always be preferred. However, Marasco & Nesselbush continues to make personal connections with clients virtually through video conferencing while providing extraordinary legal care without requiring clients to visit our offices.
