Changes to Scheduled Hearings in Eastern and Central Massachusetts

In our ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently and ensure consistent, quality service throughout Massachusetts for anyone who files a Request for Hearing, we are changing the location for in-person hearings for some people who live in Eastern and Central Massachusetts.

Effective immediately, people who live in the area served by the Framingham, Malden, and Waltham Social Security Administration (SSA) offices who file a Request for Hearing will have their hearing processed by the Lawrence Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Previously, hearings filed by people living in that area were processed by the Boston OHO. People who live in the area served by the Fitchburg, Gardner, and Worcester SSA offices who file a Request for Hearing will have their hearing processed by the Lawrence OHO. Previously, hearings filed by people living in that area were processed by the Springfield OHO. Reassigning hearings from these OHO offices allows us to share resources to ensure more consistent processing, help eliminate the hearings backlog, and reduce the wait time.

When you request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, there are four ways that you may appear at a hearing - in person at one of our offices, by audio using a telephone, by agency video at one of our offices, or by online video using a personal electronic device. You may learn more about hearings and other appeals by reviewing Your Right to an Administrative Law Judge Hearing and Appeals Council Review of Your Social Security Case and How to Attend Your Hearing and visiting Appeal a Decision We Made | SSA