What happens to ALJ hearings during a federal government shutdown

During a federal government shutdown, the Social Security Administration stops processing new cases and postpones scheduled ALJ hearings. Hearings that were already on the calendar are typically rescheduled to a date after the shutdown ends. The exact timing depends on how long the shutdown lasts and how many cases pile up during the closure.

The Social Security Administration is considered "essential" during a shutdown, meaning some staff continue working without pay. However, the agency operates at a skeleton crew level. ALJ hearing offices close to the public, and no new hearing dates are assigned. If you had a hearing scheduled during the shutdown, you will receive a notice in the mail with your new hearing date once operations resume.

The shutdown does not cancel your case or reset your place in the queue. You remain where you were before the shutdown began. Once the government reopens, the agency works through the backlog of postponed hearings in the order they were originally scheduled.

Key Takeaways

  • Scheduled ALJ hearings are postponed during a shutdown and rescheduled by mail once the government reopens.
  • Your case does not move backward or lose its place in the queue because of the shutdown.
  • You should not contact the hearing office during a shutdown—staff are not available to answer questions.
  • If you receive a new hearing date after the shutdown ends, you must appear on that date or request a postponement in writing before the hearing.

How to know if your hearing was affected

If your ALJ hearing was scheduled to take place during the shutdown dates, you will receive a notice from the Social Security Administration. The notice will arrive by mail at the address on file with your case. It will include your new hearing date, time, and location (or instructions for a video or telephone hearing, depending on your case).

Do not assume your hearing was postponed just because a shutdown occurred. Some hearings may proceed if they were scheduled just before the shutdown began or if the shutdown ends before your scheduled date. The only way to know for certain is to wait for written notice from the hearing office or to call the office after the shutdown ends.

Keep the original hearing notice and any other documents from your case in a safe place. When you receive the rescheduled date, compare it to your original notice to confirm the change.

What you should do while waiting for a new hearing date

Continue gathering medical evidence and documentation that supports your disability claim. A shutdown does not pause your condition or the time you have spent unable to work. New medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors can strengthen your case and should be submitted to the hearing office as soon as possible after the shutdown ends.

If your situation has changed since your original hearing was scheduled—for example, your condition has worsened, you have had new treatment, or you have moved—write down those changes. You can submit updated information to the hearing office before your rescheduled hearing date. Send it by mail to the address listed on your hearing notice, or ask the office for instructions on how to submit documents electronically.

Do not miss the rescheduled hearing date. If you cannot attend for any reason, you must request a postponement in writing before the new date arrives. Failing to appear without requesting a postponement in advance may result in a dismissal of your case.

How a shutdown affects the timeline to a decision

A government shutdown delays the overall timeline for receiving an ALJ decision. The length of the delay depends on how long the shutdown lasts. A shutdown lasting one week may delay your decision by one to two weeks. A longer shutdown can delay decisions by several weeks or more.

After your rescheduled hearing takes place, the ALJ typically has 90 days to issue a written decision. However, during periods of high case volume following a shutdown, some decisions take longer. The ALJ's office will mail your decision to you and to your representative (if you have one) once it is completed.

You cannot speed up the decision process, but you can may support the ALJ has all the information needed to make a decision. Submit any outstanding medical records or other evidence before your hearing date so the ALJ can review everything at once.

Staying in contact with the hearing office after the shutdown ends

Once the government reopens, the hearing office will be flooded with calls and mail from people trying to reschedule hearings or find out about their cases. Response times will be slower than usual for several weeks. If you need to contact the office, call the main Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with someone at your local ALJ hearing office.

You can also visit your local Social Security field office in person to ask about your case, though staff there may have limited information about ALJ hearings. Bring your Social Security number and any hearing notices you have received. If you have a representative (attorney or non-attorney), contact them instead—they often have direct lines to the hearing office and can get answers faster than you can.

Do not rely on email or online messages to the hearing office during the backlog period. Mail and phone calls are more reliable, though both will take longer than usual.

What to do if you miss your rescheduled hearing date

If you miss your rescheduled hearing for any reason, the ALJ will likely dismiss your case. A dismissal means your claim is closed and you will have to start the appeal process over from the beginning. This is a serious consequence and should be avoided.

If you know in advance that you cannot attend your rescheduled hearing, send a written request for postponement to the hearing office before the hearing date. Include your name, Social Security number, and the reason you cannot attend. Mail it to the address on your hearing notice or ask your representative to submit it for you.

If you miss the hearing and did not request a postponement, you can file a request to reopen your case within 10 days of the dismissal. This is difficult and requires showing good cause for missing the hearing. It is much easier to request a postponement before the hearing date than to try to reopen after a dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a shutdown cancel my hearing entirely or just postpone it?

Your hearing will be postponed, not canceled. You will receive a new hearing date by mail once the government reopens. Your case remains active and in the queue.

Can I call the hearing office during a shutdown to ask about my case?

No. The hearing office is closed to the public during a shutdown. Staff are not available to answer questions. Wait for written notice of your new hearing date or call after the shutdown ends.

What if I move before my rescheduled hearing date?

Notify the hearing office of your new address in writing as soon as possible. Send the notice to the address on your original hearing notice or have your representative submit it. If the office cannot reach you at your old address, you may miss your rescheduled hearing date.

Does a shutdown give me more time to prepare for my hearing?

The shutdown does give you additional time, but use it wisely. Gather medical records, organize your evidence, and prepare your testimony. Do not assume the extra time means you can relax—stay ready to attend your rescheduled hearing on short notice.

Can I submit new medical evidence after the shutdown ends but before my rescheduled hearing?

Yes. Submit any new medical records or evidence to the hearing office as soon as possible after the shutdown ends. Send it by mail to the address on your hearing notice or ask your representative to deliver it. The ALJ will review it before your hearing.