Social Security Announces AI Enhancements for Hearings Recordings
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 26, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today they will finish the nationwide rollout of its Hearing Recording and Transcriptions (HeaRT) system this month. The HeaRT system replaces an antiquated and bulky hardware system in each hearing office with a software only solution that records and produces transcripts for each case at the hearings level to ensure due process. HeaRT improves business efficiencies by providing more accurate automated transcripts through generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, by fully utilizing HeaRT, SSA will save about $5 million per year.
“By eliminating outdated systems and replacing them with innovative software that is proven to work, we are improving our services for Americans and saving millions each year,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “Good government means finding ways to do better, and implementing the HeaRT system nationwide is a clear demonstration of just that.”
HeaRT provides better customer service by supporting all hearing formats – in person, telephone, and video – without relying on recording hardware.
This leads to fewer hearing delays or cancellations due to equipment failure or technical issues, resulting in more timely hearings for the public. Approximately 500,000 customers will benefit from this new software each year. These improvements enhance efficiency by allowing employees to dedicate more time to hearings and other priority workloads. SSA is expected to complete the nationwide rollout by March 17, 2025.
To learn more about the hearings process, visit SSA’s Official Hearings and Appeals Website or to appeal a decision, visit Appeal a decision we made.
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Wayne T.
I would like to know how much this new system cost to purchase vs. The old system. Then what the additional support cost are for it such as training for staff, to maintain it, it’s approval from CISA for security of the data it will create and store. Which company will be storing the transcripts, will the participants have immediate access to the transcripts. How long will the transcripts be available for review before long-term storage or archive. Is the archive government or private and what standards are they maintained at government or private standards. There’s a lot of questions that this blog didn’t answer, it needs improvement.
Jim
Proven bad idea. AI transcription tools are not ready to be used in high stakes areas like this, as evidenced by it being used and failing terribly for medical transcriptions elsewhere. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-an-ai-transcription-tool-that-hallucinates-medical-interactions
Dogfaceboy
It’s working just fine and getting better every day. When we get ones where they don’t come out as well- it’s still having trouble with accents- you can just listen to the hearing recording. And it’s replacing human notetakers, who were sometimes very good, but who would also have notes that just said “Claimant’s testimony” and that was the level of detail you got. I am terrified of AI, but believe me, in this case it’s a huge upgrade and incredibly helpful for secision writers.
BLANCA E.
I’ve been waiting on a decision from Social Security for a case that I file for my husband since since August because my husband ended up in a mental hospital and applied for disability benefits and his Social Security and I haven’t I have received an answer we really are in a tough situation because he’s on schizophrenia and psychosis medication and we need benefits that I applied for in order to keep up with medication
Patricia V.
Hi, Bianca:
I’m sorry to learn about your husband’s situation. Unfortunately, Social Security’s employer has laid off much if their help recently, forcing applicants to waut much longer for their decisions. I wish your husband and you much luck getting vital financial assistance.
Bianca, can you do any work to bring in some income to your household?
Wayne T.
This is a bot responding to you not a person Patricia. I’m sorry about your situation but this system will not speed up a decision it will however frustrate you with it’s lack of empathy or meaningful assistance. Like, please try to find assistance at your local social services office.
C.B.
We’re sorry to hear this, Blanca. Your husband can check the status of his application with his personal my Social Security account or our automated telephone services that are available 24 hours a day. He can call us at 1-800-772-1213 and, at the prompt, respond “application status.” For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this information is helpful.