Applying for disability is a nightmare. Honestly, it’s one of the few things in American life that feels designed to make you quit before you even start. If you’ve spent any time scouring the internet for actual, unfiltered news about what's happening inside the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’ve probably stumbled upon a Spartan-looking site: the social security blog charles hall.
It isn’t flashy. There are no high-resolution videos or pop-up ads for "one weird trick" to win your case. Instead, it’s a grit-and-gears operation run by attorney Charles T. Hall, and for nearly two decades, it has been the most important "underground" news source for claimants, judges, and lawyers alike.
The Man Behind the Social Security Blog Charles Hall
Charles Hall isn't some random influencer. He’s a veteran attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and he’s been at this since 1975. He actually served as the President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) back in the mid-80s. When he writes something on his blog, the people inside the SSA read it.
Why does a blog that looks like it was built in 2004 still command so much respect?
Reliability.
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While big law firm websites are busy writing 500-word SEO fluff pieces about "What is SSDI?", Hall is posting internal memos, staffing changes at the Office of Hearing Operations (OHO), and data on ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) approval rates. He captures the stuff the government doesn't put in their press releases.
A New Chapter for Claimants
For years, Hall’s primary blog (Social Security News) was very "inside baseball." It was written for professionals. However, as the system became more bogged down—especially with the massive backlogs hitting us in early 2026—he launched a spin-off: Frustrated by Social Security.
This new site is a different beast. It’s aimed directly at the people currently stuck in the waiting room. It’s where he breaks down the reality of why your local field office might be closed or why the "reconsideration" phase of a claim is essentially a 90% chance of a "no."
What You’ll Actually Find There
Most people find the social security blog charles hall because they are looking for answers they can't get from the SSA's automated phone line. Here is the kind of intel Hall typically shares:
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- Internal SSA Politics: When the Commissioner changes or when there are budget battles in D.C., Hall explains how that trickles down to your local office.
- ALJ Stats: He frequently links to or discusses the "pay rates" (approval rates) of specific judges. If you have a hearing coming up with a judge who only approves 15% of cases, you'd better know that going in.
- The "Blue Book" Updates: The SSA has a list of medical requirements called the Blue Book. When they change the criteria for things like anxiety or back pain, Hall is usually the first to scream about it if it’s unfair.
The tone is famously blunt. He’s been called "left-leaning" by some and a "truth-teller" by others. He doesn't sugarcoat the fact that the system is often broken.
Why the Data Matters (The "Houston Example")
There’s a legendary post from years ago that still gets cited in legal circles. Hall highlighted a report about Houston judges where approval rates ranged from 68% for one judge down to 7% for another.
7 percent.
That means in the same building, your fate was almost entirely determined by the "luck of the draw." Hall’s blog has been the megaphone for these inconsistencies. Without that kind of public pressure, the SSA has very little incentive to fix the "zip code justice" problem where where you live dictates whether you get paid.
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Dealing with the 2026 Backlogs
Right now, the wait times for a hearing are hovering around 12 to 18 months in many jurisdictions. The social security blog charles hall is currently tracking how the agency is attempting to use AI to speed up initial reviews.
Spoiler: It’s not going great.
Hall’s contributors—often retired SSA employees—frequently chime in on the comment sections (which are a goldmine themselves). They explain that while the "front end" of the application might look faster, the actual medical review is still stuck in a massive bottleneck because there aren't enough doctors willing to work for the state's low contract rates.
Actionable Steps for Claimants
If you are currently navigating a claim and reading Hall’s updates, don't just consume the news. Use it.
- Check the ALJ Stats: If you've been scheduled for a hearing, look up your judge’s name on the resources Hall provides. Knowing if your judge is "medical-only" (meaning they only care about MRIs, not your testimony) changes how you prepare.
- Submit Employer Records Early: A recent theme on the blog involves "rarely used evidence." Don't just send medical records. Get your old attendance logs from your last job. If they show a steady decline in your ability to show up, that is "objective proof" of disability that an ALJ can't easily ignore.
- Watch the "Onset Date": Hall often warns about judges who try to get you to "amend" your onset date. This is basically a deal: "I'll approve you, but only if you agree you became disabled six months later than you actually did." This can save the government thousands in backpay. Be very careful before saying yes.
- Follow the "Frustrated" Blog: If you aren't a lawyer, the newer blog is much easier to digest. It focuses on the emotional and logistical hurdles of being a claimant in a system that feels like it's ignoring you.
The social security blog charles hall isn't going to win your case for you. But it will give you the one thing the SSA won't: a look behind the curtain. Knowledge is the only way to stay sane while you wait for a check that is often life or death.
Next Steps for You
- Visit the main Social Security News blog to see the latest legislative updates.
- Search for your specific hearing office to see current wait times and judge approval ratings.
- Gather your non-medical evidence, like FMLA paperwork or performance reviews, to supplement your medical file before your hearing date.