I-2-3-5.Where Administrative Law Judge Hearings are Held

Under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act, we hold hearings in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. See 20 CFR 404.936(b) and 416.1436(b). However, hearings in title II cases are also held in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Except in cases where a claimant appears by telephone due to extraordinary circumstances, the “place of the hearing” is generally where the claimant appears at the hearing.

When a claimant resides outside an area where the agency conducts hearings, see HALLEX I-2-0-72.