Social Security Disability Hearing Office Closes in Northeast Wisconsin

Early in 2025, Social Security decided to close the disability benefits hearing office in Oshkosh.

Before that, people in Northeast Wisconsin who were appealing their denials of Social Security Disability benefits went to hearing offices in both Oshkosh and Green Bay.

As a Wisconsin disability lawyer working with the hearing offices every day, it’s my understanding that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are what led to the Oshkosh hearing office closing.

When Social Security temporarily closed hearing offices because of COVID starting in 2020, it offered the options of telephone disability hearings and hearings by video call services like Zoom.

That allowed people to attend hearings from the comfort of their homes. This was very popular with Social Security Disability applicants and resulted in fewer hearings at the hearing offices in Oshkosh and Green Bay.

So Social Security moved to consolidate their offices by closing the Oshkosh hearing office.

Recently, local media in Green Bay reported that as a result of the DOGE cost-cutting efforts in Washington, the Green Bay hearing office could close as well. Social Security hasn’t confirmed that.

In the meantime, I’m having my disability clients select hearing options as though the Green Bay Hearing office will remain open.

If it ends up closing, Social Security Disability claimants living in Northeast Wisconsin will either have to select an at-home option for their hearing (telephone or Zoom), or travel to Milwaukee.

To their credit, Social Security has been very flexible on these issues during the ongoing uncertainly.

If you have an upcoming hearing and would like to discuss your options, do not hesitate to contact a disability attorney.

Written by Tim Geary

Disclaimer: Blog entries are not intended to be a substitute for actual legal advice. It is important for a representative to understand the specific facts and circumstances of your case before they can provide you actual legal advice. If you have questions about your Social Security Disability benefits, please contact a qualified representative to discuss your case.