Federal component within SSA
The Office of Hearings Operations is not a separate benefits agency. It is the Social Security Administration component that manages hearing offices and the administrative law judge hearing level.
What OHO manages
- A nationwide network of Social Security hearing offices.
- Administrative law judges who conduct impartial, new hearings on appealed determinations.
- Scheduling, notices, case-file handling, evidence intake, hearing arrangements, and written hearing decisions.
- Hearings involving disability insurance, Supplemental Security Income, retirement, survivor, and other matters within SSA's hearing jurisdiction.
What OHO does not manage
- Initial applications for Social Security benefits.
- Initial medical disability determinations made through Disability Determination Services.
- The reconsideration level that generally comes before a hearing.
- Appeals Council review after an administrative law judge decision; that post-hearing function is handled through SSA's Office of Appellate Operations within the Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight.
- State disability benefits, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, or private disability insurance.
How a case reaches OHO
A claimant or representative files a hearing request after receiving a notice that identifies a hearing as the next appeal level. SSA routes the request to a hearing office. The office communicates about the claim file, evidence, ways to attend, hearing date, and decision.
Official service channels
- SSA hearings and appeals website
- Hearing process and preparation
- OHO hearing office locator
- Check application or appeal status
Related WhatDoIFile resources
- Request a disability hearing
- Hearing request deadline
- Hearing preparation checklist
- Request disability reconsideration
- Social Security Administration
- Office of Appellate Operations