Birmingham Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
1200 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
1st Floor
Birmingham, AL 35285
Telephone: (866) 613-2863
Fax: (205) 801-2983
eFile Fax: 877-670-6787
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Albertville, Bessemer, Birmingham Downtown, Birmingham East, Gadsden, Jasper, Talladega, Tuscaloosa
Florence Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Walnut Street Executive Center
204 South Walnut Street, Suite D
Florence, Alabama 35630
Telephone: (866) 964-9978
Fax: (256) 764-6278
eFile Fax: 877-871-1886
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Cullman, Florence, Huntsville
Mobile Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
550 Government St., Suite 200
Mobile, Alabama 36602
Telephone: (866) 563-4698
Fax: (251) 441-5993
eFile Fax: 877-871-2433
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Andalusia, Dothan, Fairhope, Jackson, Mobile
FLORIDA:
Ft. Walton Beach, Pensacola
Montgomery Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
4344 Carmichael Road, Suite 200
Montgomery, Alabama 36106
Telephone: (866) 931-9032
Fax: (334) 213-3696
eFile Fax: (877) 871-3055
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Alexander City, Anniston, Montgomery, Opelika, Selma
Friday
Alaska Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Anchorage Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
188 W Northern Lights Blvd., 6th Floor
Anchorage, AK 99513
Telephone: (907) 271-6285
Fax: (907) 271-6271
eFile Fax: (877) 714-3607
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
188 W Northern Lights Blvd., 6th Floor
Anchorage, AK 99513
Telephone: (907) 271-6285
Fax: (907) 271-6271
eFile Fax: (877) 714-3607
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan
Arizona Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Phoenix Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Siete Square, Suite 200
3737 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
Telephone: (888) 748-1991
Fax: (602) 640-2165
eFile Fax: (877)394-4579
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Apache Junction, Chinle, Colorado River Basin, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix Downtown, Show Low, Tuba City
Phoenix (North) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
18444 North 25th Avenue
Suite 430 Phoenix, Arizona 85023
Telephone: (877) 784-3690
Fax: (602) 863-0124
eFile Fax: (877) 847-1601
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Glendale, Phoenix North, Prescott
Tucson Hearing office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Rio Nuevo Professional Plaza, Suite 265
201 N. Bonita Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Telephone: 888-383-8694
Fax: (520) 670-6909
eFile Fax: (877)394-4580
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Casa Grande, Douglas, Globe, Nogales, Safford, Sells, Tucson, Tucson (South), Yuma
CALIFORNIA:
El Centro
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Siete Square, Suite 200
3737 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
Telephone: (888) 748-1991
Fax: (602) 640-2165
eFile Fax: (877)394-4579
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Apache Junction, Chinle, Colorado River Basin, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix Downtown, Show Low, Tuba City
Phoenix (North) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
18444 North 25th Avenue
Suite 430 Phoenix, Arizona 85023
Telephone: (877) 784-3690
Fax: (602) 863-0124
eFile Fax: (877) 847-1601
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Glendale, Phoenix North, Prescott
Tucson Hearing office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Rio Nuevo Professional Plaza, Suite 265
201 N. Bonita Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Telephone: 888-383-8694
Fax: (520) 670-6909
eFile Fax: (877)394-4580
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Casa Grande, Douglas, Globe, Nogales, Safford, Sells, Tucson, Tucson (South), Yuma
CALIFORNIA:
El Centro
Arkansas Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Dallas (North) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Park Central VIII, 8th Floor, Suite 800
12770 Merit Drive
Dallas, Texas 75251-1220
Telephone: (866) 331-7135
Fax: (972) 341-5153
eFile Fax: (877) 904-5524
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
TEXAS:
Dallas-North, Denton, Greenville, Longview, McKinney, Palestine, Pleasant Grove, Sherman, Tyler, Waxahachie
ARKANSAS:
Texarkana, Pine Bluff
Fort Smith Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Central Mall, Suite 475
5111 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903-2034
Telephone: (877) 348-7549
Fax: (479) 452-5415
eFile Fax: (877) 559-1921
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARKANSAS:
Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison, Russellville
Little Rock Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2405 Federal Office Building
700 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Telephone: (866) 592-2549
Fax: (501) 324-7137
eFile Fax:(877) 559-1933
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARKANSAS:
Batesville, Blytheville, Camden, Conway, El Dorado, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Little Rock - North, Searcy
Tulsa Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2 West 2nd Street, Suite 450
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Telephone: (888) 286-1124
Fax: (918) 581-6725
eFile Fax: (877) 904-5480
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
OKLAHOMA:
Bartlesville, Miami, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Stillwater, Tulsa
ARKANSAS:
Fayetteville
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Park Central VIII, 8th Floor, Suite 800
12770 Merit Drive
Dallas, Texas 75251-1220
Telephone: (866) 331-7135
Fax: (972) 341-5153
eFile Fax: (877) 904-5524
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
TEXAS:
Dallas-North, Denton, Greenville, Longview, McKinney, Palestine, Pleasant Grove, Sherman, Tyler, Waxahachie
ARKANSAS:
Texarkana, Pine Bluff
Fort Smith Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Central Mall, Suite 475
5111 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903-2034
Telephone: (877) 348-7549
Fax: (479) 452-5415
eFile Fax: (877) 559-1921
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARKANSAS:
Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison, Russellville
Little Rock Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2405 Federal Office Building
700 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Telephone: (866) 592-2549
Fax: (501) 324-7137
eFile Fax:(877) 559-1933
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARKANSAS:
Batesville, Blytheville, Camden, Conway, El Dorado, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Little Rock - North, Searcy
Tulsa Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2 West 2nd Street, Suite 450
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Telephone: (888) 286-1124
Fax: (918) 581-6725
eFile Fax: (877) 904-5480
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
OKLAHOMA:
Bartlesville, Miami, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Stillwater, Tulsa
ARKANSAS:
Fayetteville
California Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Downey Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 210
8345 Firestone Boulevard
Downey, California 90241
Telephone: (877) 870-6385
Fax: (562) 869-8943
eFile Fax: (877) 394-4581
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Compton, Downey, Huntington Park, Norwalk, Watts, Whittier
Fresno Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2440 Tulare Street, Suite 300
Fresno, California 93721
Telephone: 1-866-596-7568
Fax: (559) 443-1281
eFile Fax: (877)394-4582
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Bakersfield, Bakersfield-East Hills, Delano, Fresno, Hanford, Madera, Merced, Porterville, Southeast Fresno, Visalia, West Fresno
NEBRASKA:
Grand Island, North Platte
Long Beach Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Federal Building, Suite 5300
501 West Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90802
Telephone: (855) 532-0889
Fax: (562) 980-4131
eFile Fax: (877)394-4587
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Lakewood, Long Beach, Torrance
MISSOURI:
West Plains
Los Angeles (Downtown) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
City National Bank Building, Suite 1200
606 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, California 90014
Telephone: (213) 894-2669
Fax: (213) 894-2595
eFile Fax: (877)394-4583
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Boyle Heights, Crenshaw, Inglewood, Los Angeles Downtown, Montebello, University Village, Wilshire Center
Los Angeles (West) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 400
12121 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024
Telephone: (866) 748-2089
Fax: (310) 479-3370
eFile Fax: (877)394-4585
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chatsworth, Los Angeles Westwood, Media Cities, Santa Clarita, Van Nuys
WISCONSIN:
Eau Claire, Rice Lake
Moreno Valley Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
22690 Cactus Avenue
3rd Floor
Moreno Valley, California 92553
Telephone: 866-737-4503
Fax:951-867-3779
eFile Fax:877-312-9771
Oakland Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Oakland Federal Building, Suite 200N
1301 Clay Street
Oakland, California 94612
Telephone: 866-366-4916
Fax: (510) 637-3424
eFile Fax: (877)394-4588
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Antioch, Berkeley, East Oakland, Fremont, Hayward/Livermore (merged), Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, Walnut Creek
Orange Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Centrum North, Suite 600
1120 West La Veta Avenue
Orange, California 92868
Telephone: 866-593-1447
Fax: (714) 246-8271
eFile Fax: (877)822-0169
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Anaheim, Brea, Corona, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Missions Viejo, Ontario, Pomona Valley, San Ana
WISCONSIN:
Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Rhinelander
Pasadena Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Pasadena Towers 1
800 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 500
Pasadena, California 91101
Telephone: (866) 354-0220
Fax: (626) 793-3080
eFile Fax: (877)822-5144
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Alhambra, El Monte, Glendale, Glendora, Pasadena, West Covina
Sacramento Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 250
1610 Arden Way
Sacramento, California 95815
Telephone: (866) 931-2544
Fax: (916) 564-5360
eFile Fax: (877) 394-9226
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Auburn, Chico, Feather River, Oroville, Placerville, Redding, Roseville, Sacramento, Sacramento (North), Sacramento (South), Sacramento (West), Susanville
NEVADA:
Elko
San Bernadino Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
605 North Arrowhead Avenue
San Bernardino, California 92401
Telephone: 1-866-331-7127
Fax: (909) 381-9288
eFile Fax: (877)394-9227
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Barstow, Blythe, Fontana, Hemet, Indio, Moreno Valley, Morongo Basin, Redlands, Victorville
San Diego Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
525 B Street, 8th Floor
San Diego, California 92101
Telephone: 1-866-331-2294
Fax: (619) 557-6733
eFile Fax: (877)394-9228
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Chula Vista, El Cajon, Kearny Mesa, La Mesa, National City, San Diego, San Marcos
San Francisco Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Equity Building, 16th Floor
301 Howard Street
San Francisco, California 94105
Telephone: 866-770-1221
Fax: (415) 744-2548
eFile Fax: (877)394-9237
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chinatown, Crescent City, Daly City, Eureka, Mission, San Francisco - Downtown, San Mateo
MICHIGAN:
Farmington, Livonia
San Jose Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
RSP Federal Building, Suite 330
280 South First Street
San Jose, California 95113-3086
Telephone: 1-866-331-2219
Fax: (408) 535-5286
eFile Fax: (877)394-9239
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Campbell, Gilroy, Mountain View, Redwood City, Salinas, San Jose, San Jose East, San Jose South, Santa Cruz, Watsonville
San Rafael Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 230
4040 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, California 94903
Telephone: (415) 472-0173
Fax: (415) 472-5824
eFile Fax: (877)394-9240
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Fairfield, Lakeport, Napa, Ukiah, Vallejo
Santa Barbara Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 206
222 East Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Telephone: (866) 273-4953
Fax: (805) 564-3404
eFile Fax: (877)394-9242
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chatsworth, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Thousand Oaks, Ventura
WISCONSIN:
Appleton, Fond Du Lac, Oshkosh
Stockton Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3116 W. March Lane, Suite 100
Stockton, California 95219
Telephone: (209) 477-3103
Fax: (209) 477-3394
eFile Fax: (877)394-9243
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Sonora, Stockton
MICHIGAN:
Inkster
Tucson Hearing office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Rio Nuevo Professional Plaza, Suite 265
201 N. Bonita Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Telephone: 888-383-8694
Fax: (520) 670-6909
eFile Fax: (877)394-4580
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Casa Grande, Douglas, Globe, Nogales, Safford, Sells, Tucson, Tucson (South), Yuma
CALIFORNIA:
El Centro
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 210
8345 Firestone Boulevard
Downey, California 90241
Telephone: (877) 870-6385
Fax: (562) 869-8943
eFile Fax: (877) 394-4581
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Compton, Downey, Huntington Park, Norwalk, Watts, Whittier
Fresno Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2440 Tulare Street, Suite 300
Fresno, California 93721
Telephone: 1-866-596-7568
Fax: (559) 443-1281
eFile Fax: (877)394-4582
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Bakersfield, Bakersfield-East Hills, Delano, Fresno, Hanford, Madera, Merced, Porterville, Southeast Fresno, Visalia, West Fresno
NEBRASKA:
Grand Island, North Platte
Long Beach Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Federal Building, Suite 5300
501 West Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90802
Telephone: (855) 532-0889
Fax: (562) 980-4131
eFile Fax: (877)394-4587
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Lakewood, Long Beach, Torrance
MISSOURI:
West Plains
Los Angeles (Downtown) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
City National Bank Building, Suite 1200
606 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, California 90014
Telephone: (213) 894-2669
Fax: (213) 894-2595
eFile Fax: (877)394-4583
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Boyle Heights, Crenshaw, Inglewood, Los Angeles Downtown, Montebello, University Village, Wilshire Center
Los Angeles (West) Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 400
12121 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024
Telephone: (866) 748-2089
Fax: (310) 479-3370
eFile Fax: (877)394-4585
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chatsworth, Los Angeles Westwood, Media Cities, Santa Clarita, Van Nuys
WISCONSIN:
Eau Claire, Rice Lake
Moreno Valley Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
22690 Cactus Avenue
3rd Floor
Moreno Valley, California 92553
Telephone: 866-737-4503
Fax:951-867-3779
eFile Fax:877-312-9771
Oakland Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Oakland Federal Building, Suite 200N
1301 Clay Street
Oakland, California 94612
Telephone: 866-366-4916
Fax: (510) 637-3424
eFile Fax: (877)394-4588
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Antioch, Berkeley, East Oakland, Fremont, Hayward/Livermore (merged), Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, Walnut Creek
Orange Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Centrum North, Suite 600
1120 West La Veta Avenue
Orange, California 92868
Telephone: 866-593-1447
Fax: (714) 246-8271
eFile Fax: (877)822-0169
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Anaheim, Brea, Corona, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Missions Viejo, Ontario, Pomona Valley, San Ana
WISCONSIN:
Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Rhinelander
Pasadena Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Pasadena Towers 1
800 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 500
Pasadena, California 91101
Telephone: (866) 354-0220
Fax: (626) 793-3080
eFile Fax: (877)822-5144
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Alhambra, El Monte, Glendale, Glendora, Pasadena, West Covina
Sacramento Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 250
1610 Arden Way
Sacramento, California 95815
Telephone: (866) 931-2544
Fax: (916) 564-5360
eFile Fax: (877) 394-9226
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Auburn, Chico, Feather River, Oroville, Placerville, Redding, Roseville, Sacramento, Sacramento (North), Sacramento (South), Sacramento (West), Susanville
NEVADA:
Elko
San Bernadino Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
605 North Arrowhead Avenue
San Bernardino, California 92401
Telephone: 1-866-331-7127
Fax: (909) 381-9288
eFile Fax: (877)394-9227
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Barstow, Blythe, Fontana, Hemet, Indio, Moreno Valley, Morongo Basin, Redlands, Victorville
San Diego Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
525 B Street, 8th Floor
San Diego, California 92101
Telephone: 1-866-331-2294
Fax: (619) 557-6733
eFile Fax: (877)394-9228
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Chula Vista, El Cajon, Kearny Mesa, La Mesa, National City, San Diego, San Marcos
San Francisco Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Equity Building, 16th Floor
301 Howard Street
San Francisco, California 94105
Telephone: 866-770-1221
Fax: (415) 744-2548
eFile Fax: (877)394-9237
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chinatown, Crescent City, Daly City, Eureka, Mission, San Francisco - Downtown, San Mateo
MICHIGAN:
Farmington, Livonia
San Jose Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
RSP Federal Building, Suite 330
280 South First Street
San Jose, California 95113-3086
Telephone: 1-866-331-2219
Fax: (408) 535-5286
eFile Fax: (877)394-9239
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Campbell, Gilroy, Mountain View, Redwood City, Salinas, San Jose, San Jose East, San Jose South, Santa Cruz, Watsonville
San Rafael Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 230
4040 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, California 94903
Telephone: (415) 472-0173
Fax: (415) 472-5824
eFile Fax: (877)394-9240
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Fairfield, Lakeport, Napa, Ukiah, Vallejo
Santa Barbara Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 206
222 East Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Telephone: (866) 273-4953
Fax: (805) 564-3404
eFile Fax: (877)394-9242
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Chatsworth, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Thousand Oaks, Ventura
WISCONSIN:
Appleton, Fond Du Lac, Oshkosh
Stockton Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3116 W. March Lane, Suite 100
Stockton, California 95219
Telephone: (209) 477-3103
Fax: (209) 477-3394
eFile Fax: (877)394-9243
Services the following Social Security local offices:
CALIFORNIA:
Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Sonora, Stockton
MICHIGAN:
Inkster
Tucson Hearing office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Rio Nuevo Professional Plaza, Suite 265
201 N. Bonita Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Telephone: 888-383-8694
Fax: (520) 670-6909
eFile Fax: (877)394-4580
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ARIZONA:
Casa Grande, Douglas, Globe, Nogales, Safford, Sells, Tucson, Tucson (South), Yuma
CALIFORNIA:
El Centro
Colorado Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Colorado Springs Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
121 S. Tejon Street, Suite 701
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Telephone: (888) 844-8269
Fax: (719) 634-1735
eFile Fax: 877-389-4219
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
COLORADO:
Alamosa, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, La Junta, Montrose, Pueblo, Trinidad
Denver Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 752
Denver, Colorado 80204-3584
Telephone: 888-383-8889
Fax: (303) 844-5817
eFile Fax: 877-389-4221
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
COLORADO:
Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Greeley
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
121 S. Tejon Street, Suite 701
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Telephone: (888) 844-8269
Fax: (719) 634-1735
eFile Fax: 877-389-4219
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
COLORADO:
Alamosa, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, La Junta, Montrose, Pueblo, Trinidad
Denver Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 752
Denver, Colorado 80204-3584
Telephone: 888-383-8889
Fax: (303) 844-5817
eFile Fax: 877-389-4221
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
COLORADO:
Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Greeley
Connecticut Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Hartford Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
William R. Cotter Federal Building
135 High Street, Room 331
Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1193
Telephone: (866) 931-2878
Fax: (860) 724-9843
eFile Fax: (860) 548-1600
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Meriden, Middleton, New Britain, New London, Norwich, Torrington, Waterbury, Willimantic
New Haven Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street, 22nd Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Telephone: (866) 613-2750
Fax: (203) 787-7777
eFile Fax: (203) 401-2043
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
William R. Cotter Federal Building
135 High Street, Room 331
Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1193
Telephone: (866) 931-2878
Fax: (860) 724-9843
eFile Fax: (860) 548-1600
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Meriden, Middleton, New Britain, New London, Norwich, Torrington, Waterbury, Willimantic
New Haven Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street, 22nd Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Telephone: (866) 613-2750
Fax: (203) 787-7777
eFile Fax: (203) 401-2043
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford
Delaware Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Dover Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
Florida Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Fort Lauderdale Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
500 East Broward Blvd.
Suite 1000, 10th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394
Telephone: (888)436-2637
Fax: (954) 356-7901
eFile Fax: (877)760-0003
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Belle Glade, Cocoa Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (East & West), Melbourne, North Broward, Port St. Lucie, South Broward, Vero Beach, W. Palm Beach
Fort Myers Hearing Office (Satellite Office)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3650 Colonial Blvd.
2nd Floor
Ft. Myers, FL 33966
Telephone: (888) 462-1109
Fax: (239) 278-0684
eFile Fax: (877) 847-1596
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Ft Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte
Jacksonville Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
DeSoto Building, Suite 400
8880 Freedom Crossing Trail
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Telephone: (866) 931-0124
Fax: (904) 232-3961
eFile Fax: (877) 760-0594
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Daytona Beach, Deland, Gainesville, Jacksonville: Downtown & North, Lake City, Palatka, St. Augustine
Miami Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
One Riverview Square
333 S. Miami Avenue, 8th Floor
Miami, FL 33130
Telephone: (866) 964-5052
Fax: (305) 536-4788
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7137
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Allapattah, Florida Keys, Hialeah, Key West, Little Havanna, Little River, Miami Beach, Miami Central, Miami North, Miami South, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Perrine, Jackson Mem Site
Mobile Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
550 Government St., Suite 200
Mobile, Alabama 36602
Telephone: (866) 563-4698
Fax: (251) 441-5993
eFile Fax: 877-871-2433
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Andalusia, Dothan, Fairhope, Jackson, Mobile
FLORIDA:
Ft. Walton Beach, Pensacola
Orlando Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Glenridge Building, Suite 300
3505 Lake Lynda Drive
Orlando, Florida 32817-9801
Telephone: (407) 380-2345
Fax: (877) 833-2730
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7138
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Ocala, Orlando
Tallahassee Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor
1961 Quail Grove Lane
Tallahassee, Florida 32311
Telephone: (888) 472-5996
Fax: (850) 942-1034
eFile Fax: 877-435-0334
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
GEORGIA:
Thomasville
FLORIDA:
Marianna, Quincy, Panama City, Tallahassee
Tampa Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Fountain Square II, Suite 200
4925 Independence Parkway
Tampa, Florida 33634
Telephone: (813) 883-7300
Fax: (813) 883-7355
Admin Fax: (813) 883-7360
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7844
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Carrolwood, Dade City, Lakeland, Sebring, Tampa, Valrico, Winter Haven
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
500 East Broward Blvd.
Suite 1000, 10th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394
Telephone: (888)436-2637
Fax: (954) 356-7901
eFile Fax: (877)760-0003
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Belle Glade, Cocoa Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (East & West), Melbourne, North Broward, Port St. Lucie, South Broward, Vero Beach, W. Palm Beach
Fort Myers Hearing Office (Satellite Office)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3650 Colonial Blvd.
2nd Floor
Ft. Myers, FL 33966
Telephone: (888) 462-1109
Fax: (239) 278-0684
eFile Fax: (877) 847-1596
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Ft Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte
Jacksonville Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
DeSoto Building, Suite 400
8880 Freedom Crossing Trail
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Telephone: (866) 931-0124
Fax: (904) 232-3961
eFile Fax: (877) 760-0594
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Daytona Beach, Deland, Gainesville, Jacksonville: Downtown & North, Lake City, Palatka, St. Augustine
Miami Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
One Riverview Square
333 S. Miami Avenue, 8th Floor
Miami, FL 33130
Telephone: (866) 964-5052
Fax: (305) 536-4788
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7137
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Allapattah, Florida Keys, Hialeah, Key West, Little Havanna, Little River, Miami Beach, Miami Central, Miami North, Miami South, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Perrine, Jackson Mem Site
Mobile Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
550 Government St., Suite 200
Mobile, Alabama 36602
Telephone: (866) 563-4698
Fax: (251) 441-5993
eFile Fax: 877-871-2433
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
ALABAMA:
Andalusia, Dothan, Fairhope, Jackson, Mobile
FLORIDA:
Ft. Walton Beach, Pensacola
Orlando Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Glenridge Building, Suite 300
3505 Lake Lynda Drive
Orlando, Florida 32817-9801
Telephone: (407) 380-2345
Fax: (877) 833-2730
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7138
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Ocala, Orlando
Tallahassee Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor
1961 Quail Grove Lane
Tallahassee, Florida 32311
Telephone: (888) 472-5996
Fax: (850) 942-1034
eFile Fax: 877-435-0334
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
GEORGIA:
Thomasville
FLORIDA:
Marianna, Quincy, Panama City, Tallahassee
Tampa Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Fountain Square II, Suite 200
4925 Independence Parkway
Tampa, Florida 33634
Telephone: (813) 883-7300
Fax: (813) 883-7355
Admin Fax: (813) 883-7360
eFile Fax: (877) 330-7844
Services the following Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA:
Carrolwood, Dade City, Lakeland, Sebring, Tampa, Valrico, Winter Haven
Maryland Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Dover Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
New Jersey Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Newark Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
1100 Raymond Blvd.
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Telephone: (877) 405-9798
Fax: (973) 645-2467
eFile Fax : (877) 482-0781
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Clifton, East Orange, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, New Brunswick, Newark, Newton, Parsippany, Paterson, Somerville, Springfield Ave, Union Township, Woodbridge
Pennsauken Hearing Office (South Jersey)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2475 McClellan Blvd
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109
Telephone: (866) 964-5769
Fax: (856) 317-3421
eFile Fax: (877) 389-3957
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Brick, Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Egg Harbor Township, Glassboro, Mount Holly, Neptune, Rio Grande, Toms River, Trenton
Jersey City Hearing Office
Jersey City, New Jersey Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
26 Federal Plaza, Room 34-102
New York, New York 10278
Telephone: (877) 773-7451
Fax: (212) 264-4566
eFile Fax: (877) 560-6890
Services the following Social Security local offices:
New York:
South Bronx, Bronx Hub, Staten Island, & Hylan Blvd
New Jersey:
Jersey City & Hoboken
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
1100 Raymond Blvd.
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Telephone: (877) 405-9798
Fax: (973) 645-2467
eFile Fax : (877) 482-0781
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Clifton, East Orange, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, New Brunswick, Newark, Newton, Parsippany, Paterson, Somerville, Springfield Ave, Union Township, Woodbridge
Pennsauken Hearing Office (South Jersey)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2475 McClellan Blvd
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109
Telephone: (866) 964-5769
Fax: (856) 317-3421
eFile Fax: (877) 389-3957
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Brick, Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Egg Harbor Township, Glassboro, Mount Holly, Neptune, Rio Grande, Toms River, Trenton
Jersey City Hearing Office
Jersey City, New Jersey Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
26 Federal Plaza, Room 34-102
New York, New York 10278
Telephone: (877) 773-7451
Fax: (212) 264-4566
eFile Fax: (877) 560-6890
Services the following Social Security local offices:
New York:
South Bronx, Bronx Hub, Staten Island, & Hylan Blvd
New Jersey:
Jersey City & Hoboken
New York Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Albany Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
6th Floor
74 North Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12207-2211
Telephone: (866) 643-3035
Fax: (518) 462-1933
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8560
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Albany, Gloversville, Hudson, Kingston, Oneonta, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie, Queensbury, Schenectady, Troy
Bronx Hearing OfficeSSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor, Suite 4
226 East 161st Street
Bronx, New York 10451
Telephone: 866-563-9573
Fax: (718) 590-1673
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8661
Services the following Social Security local offices:
East Bronx, Hunts Point, Laconia Avenue, North Bronx, West Farms
Brooklyn Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
18th Floor
111 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201-9238
Telephone: 1-866-964-9971
Fax: (718) 330-2009
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8558
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Avenue X, Bay Ridge, Bedford Heights, Boro Hall, Bushwick, Canarsie, Cypress Hills: Excluding Zip codes 11414, 11416, 11417, 11418, 11419, 11420 and 11421(these zip codes serviced by Queens HO), East New York, Flatbush, Williamsburg
Buffalo Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 200
Buffalo, New York 14202
Telephone: 866-348-5819
Fax: (716) 551-4078
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8633
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Amherst, Batavia, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Geneva, Greece, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, Ridge Road, Rochester
Jericho Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
375 North Broadway
Jericho, New York 11753
Telephone: 866-931-4494
Fax: (516) 942-0353
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8559
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Freeport, Long Beach, Melville, Mineola, Patchogue, Riverhead, West Babylon
Jersey City Hearing Office
Jersey City, New Jersey Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
26 Federal Plaza, Room 34-102
New York, New York 10278
Telephone: (877) 773-7451
Fax: (212) 264-4566
eFile Fax: (877) 560-6890
Services the following Social Security local offices:
New York:
South Bronx, Bronx Hub, Staten Island, & Hylan Blvd
New Jersey:
Jersey City & Hoboken
New York Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Room 2909
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278-0035
Telephone: (212) 264-8819
Fax: (212) 264-8633
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8642
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Bronx Hub, Chinatown, Downtown, East Harlem, East Village, Grand Central/United Nations, Hylan Blvd, Midtown, South Bronx, Staten Island, Uptown, Washington Heights
Queens Hearing Office
Location:
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
155-10 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor
Jamaica, NY 11431
Mailing Address:
Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
P.O. Box 319300
Jamaica, NY 11431
Telephone: 866-931-6092
Fax: (718) 557-6575
eFile Fax : (877) 304-5005
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Astoria, Cypress Hills: Zip codes 11414, 11416, 11417, 11418, 11419, 11420 and 11421, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Glendale, Jamaica, Long Island City, Rego Park
Rochester Hearing Office (Satellite of Buffalo)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
U.S. Federal Building, Room 4170
100 State Street
Rochester, New York 14614
Telephone: (866)331-3271
Fax: (585) 263-5792
eFile Fax:(877) 304-8991
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Amherst, Batavia, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Geneva, Greece, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, Ridge Road, Rochester
Syracuse Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
300 S. State Street, 5th floor
Syracuse, New York 13202
Telephone: (888) 655-6477
Fax: (315) 479-3933
eFile Fax: (877) 304-5049
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Binghamton, Corning, Elmira, Ithaca, Ogdensburg, Oswego, Rome, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown
White Plains Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 202
75 South Broadway
White Plains, New York 10601
Telephone: (877) 691-6146
Fax: (914) 682-7006
eFile Fax: (877) 304-8717
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Newburgh, Peekskill, West Nyack, White Plains, Yonkers
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
6th Floor
74 North Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12207-2211
Telephone: (866) 643-3035
Fax: (518) 462-1933
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8560
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Albany, Gloversville, Hudson, Kingston, Oneonta, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie, Queensbury, Schenectady, Troy
Bronx Hearing OfficeSSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor, Suite 4
226 East 161st Street
Bronx, New York 10451
Telephone: 866-563-9573
Fax: (718) 590-1673
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8661
Services the following Social Security local offices:
East Bronx, Hunts Point, Laconia Avenue, North Bronx, West Farms
Brooklyn Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
18th Floor
111 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201-9238
Telephone: 1-866-964-9971
Fax: (718) 330-2009
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8558
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Avenue X, Bay Ridge, Bedford Heights, Boro Hall, Bushwick, Canarsie, Cypress Hills: Excluding Zip codes 11414, 11416, 11417, 11418, 11419, 11420 and 11421(these zip codes serviced by Queens HO), East New York, Flatbush, Williamsburg
Buffalo Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 200
Buffalo, New York 14202
Telephone: 866-348-5819
Fax: (716) 551-4078
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8633
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Amherst, Batavia, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Geneva, Greece, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, Ridge Road, Rochester
Jericho Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
375 North Broadway
Jericho, New York 11753
Telephone: 866-931-4494
Fax: (516) 942-0353
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8559
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Freeport, Long Beach, Melville, Mineola, Patchogue, Riverhead, West Babylon
Jersey City Hearing Office
Jersey City, New Jersey Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
26 Federal Plaza, Room 34-102
New York, New York 10278
Telephone: (877) 773-7451
Fax: (212) 264-4566
eFile Fax: (877) 560-6890
Services the following Social Security local offices:
New York:
South Bronx, Bronx Hub, Staten Island, & Hylan Blvd
New Jersey:
Jersey City & Hoboken
New York Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Room 2909
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278-0035
Telephone: (212) 264-8819
Fax: (212) 264-8633
eFile Fax: (877) 379-8642
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Bronx Hub, Chinatown, Downtown, East Harlem, East Village, Grand Central/United Nations, Hylan Blvd, Midtown, South Bronx, Staten Island, Uptown, Washington Heights
Queens Hearing Office
Location:
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
155-10 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor
Jamaica, NY 11431
Mailing Address:
Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
P.O. Box 319300
Jamaica, NY 11431
Telephone: 866-931-6092
Fax: (718) 557-6575
eFile Fax : (877) 304-5005
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Astoria, Cypress Hills: Zip codes 11414, 11416, 11417, 11418, 11419, 11420 and 11421, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Glendale, Jamaica, Long Island City, Rego Park
Rochester Hearing Office (Satellite of Buffalo)
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
U.S. Federal Building, Room 4170
100 State Street
Rochester, New York 14614
Telephone: (866)331-3271
Fax: (585) 263-5792
eFile Fax:(877) 304-8991
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Amherst, Batavia, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Geneva, Greece, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, Ridge Road, Rochester
Syracuse Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
300 S. State Street, 5th floor
Syracuse, New York 13202
Telephone: (888) 655-6477
Fax: (315) 479-3933
eFile Fax: (877) 304-5049
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Binghamton, Corning, Elmira, Ithaca, Ogdensburg, Oswego, Rome, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown
White Plains Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 202
75 South Broadway
White Plains, New York 10601
Telephone: (877) 691-6146
Fax: (914) 682-7006
eFile Fax: (877) 304-8717
Services the following Social Security local offices:
Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Newburgh, Peekskill, West Nyack, White Plains, Yonkers
Virginia Social Security Hearing Office Locations
Dover Hearing Office
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
500 W. Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024
eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803
Services the following Social Security local offices:
DELAWARE:
Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington
MARYLAND:
Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VIRGINIA:
Accomac
Thursday
What Is Sheltered Work?
As we have already discussed, in order to determine if an individual is disabled Social Security will first look at whether or not that person can engage in Substantial Gainful Activity. However, there are special exceptions for when an individual can be found to be receiving more than SGA but still be found to be disabled.
A special exception to this rule is known as "sheltered work" or "special environment." Basically, this means that the individual is being offered a special opportunity by their employer that normally does not exist.
Recently I had a client who had very severe back injuries from a car accident awarded Social Security Disability Benefits even though he had been earning over SGA for the past year. The client had a friend, who operated a business and offered the disabled individual an opportunity to work for him. It was a commissioned position and he worked as an independent contractor. The employer had several different employees responsible for the same tasks however they were required to work a set schedule and work at least 40 hours per week. The employer knew that my client was disabled and was very flexible with him. The disabled individual was only able to work at most three hours per day and a few times per week it was common for him to call work and say he was in too much pain and couldn't come into work. The employer had no problem with the disabled worker going out to his car as needed to take naps when he became too fatigued to function.
Since the employer was his friend, he was giving him an opportunity that he would not have given to any other employee. The business owner completed a certification stating that he had given the individual the job only because he was his friend and that no other employee would be afforded the same flexibility. The individual knew that no other employer would hire him because of the flexibility that he required due to his disabilities. Although he was earning more than SGA most months, the only reason why he was able to keep a job was because of the special relationship he had with his employer.
The judge agreed that even though the applicant was involved in work where he was earning more than SGA, it was sheltered work.
It is usually not easy to show that work is sheltered, but an experienced Social Security attorney will know what questions to ask the employer, what documentation to get and how to present the argument to the judge at the Administrative Law Hearing.
A special exception to this rule is known as "sheltered work" or "special environment." Basically, this means that the individual is being offered a special opportunity by their employer that normally does not exist.
Recently I had a client who had very severe back injuries from a car accident awarded Social Security Disability Benefits even though he had been earning over SGA for the past year. The client had a friend, who operated a business and offered the disabled individual an opportunity to work for him. It was a commissioned position and he worked as an independent contractor. The employer had several different employees responsible for the same tasks however they were required to work a set schedule and work at least 40 hours per week. The employer knew that my client was disabled and was very flexible with him. The disabled individual was only able to work at most three hours per day and a few times per week it was common for him to call work and say he was in too much pain and couldn't come into work. The employer had no problem with the disabled worker going out to his car as needed to take naps when he became too fatigued to function.
Since the employer was his friend, he was giving him an opportunity that he would not have given to any other employee. The business owner completed a certification stating that he had given the individual the job only because he was his friend and that no other employee would be afforded the same flexibility. The individual knew that no other employer would hire him because of the flexibility that he required due to his disabilities. Although he was earning more than SGA most months, the only reason why he was able to keep a job was because of the special relationship he had with his employer.
The judge agreed that even though the applicant was involved in work where he was earning more than SGA, it was sheltered work.
It is usually not easy to show that work is sheltered, but an experienced Social Security attorney will know what questions to ask the employer, what documentation to get and how to present the argument to the judge at the Administrative Law Hearing.
Wednesday
NOSSCR Responds To New Social Security Policy To Hide Judge's Identity Until Day Of Hearing
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) has sent a detailed response to the Social Security Administration regarding the new policy which has been implemented which keeps the identity of judges anonymous until the day of the hearing.
To view the letter click here
Related Post:
I've Been Scheduled For A Hearing, Can I Look Up The Judge's Decision Record?
To view the letter click here
Related Post:
I've Been Scheduled For A Hearing, Can I Look Up The Judge's Decision Record?
I've Been Scheduled For A Hearing, Can I Look Up The Judge's Decision Record?
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Social Security's policy has now changed as of this month and they are no longer providing the name of the Administrative Law Judge until the day of the hearing.
However, even if you are not aware of the Judge's name before the hearing, since most judge's do not issue a decision the day of the hearing, this link may still be helpful in providing some history for each judge as to how they tend to decide cases.
The decisions included are from October 1, 2011 through November 25, 2011 and include:
- Judge's Name
- Hearing office the judge is located
- Total number of decisions
- Number of Fully favorable decisions
- Number of Partially favorable decisions
- Number of Denials
Tuesday
My Spouse Recently Died, Can I Receive Their Social Security Retirement Benefits?
There are several different circumstances when you, as the spouse, can receive your deceased spouse's Social Security retirement benefits.
Obviously a surviving spouse can either be a male or female, but more often than not the surviving spouse is a widow seeking to receive Social Security benefits on her deceased husband's earnings record.
According to Social Security:
Obviously a surviving spouse can either be a male or female, but more often than not the surviving spouse is a widow seeking to receive Social Security benefits on her deceased husband's earnings record.
According to Social Security:
If you are the widow or widower of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can:
- receive full benefits at full retirement age for survivors or reduced benefits as early as age 60.
- begin receiving benefits as early as age 50 if you are disabled.
- receive survivors benefits at any age if you take care of the deceased worker's child who is under age 16 or is disabled and receives benefits on the worker's record.
Monday
Bergen County Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you live in Bergen County, New Jersey and are applying for Social Security Disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income then you should contact an experienced disability lawyer, especially if you have applied and were recently denied.
Allendale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Harrington Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ramsey Social Security Disability Lawyer
Alpine Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hasbrouck Heights Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgefield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Bergenfield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Haworth Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgefield Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Bogota Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hillsdale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgewood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Carlstadt Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ho Ho Kus Social Security Disability Lawyer
River Edge Social Security Disability Lawyer
Cliffside Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Leonia Social Security Disability Lawyer
River Vale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Closter Social Security Disability Lawyer
Little Ferry Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rochelle Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Cresskill Social Security Disability Lawyer
Lodi Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rockleigh Social Security Disability Lawyer
Demarest Social Security Disability Lawyer
Lyndhurst Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rutherford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Dumont Social Security Disability Lawyer
Mahwah Social Security Disability Lawyer
Saddle Brook Social Security Disability Lawyer
East Rutherford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Maywood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Saddle River Social Security Disability Lawyer
Edgewater Social Security Disability Lawyer
Midland Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
South Hackensack Social Security Disability Lawyer
Elmwood Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Montvale Social Security Disability Lawyer
TeaneckSocial Security Disability Lawyer
Emerson Social Security Disability Lawyer
Moonachie Social Security Disability Lawyer
Tenafly Social Security Disability Lawyer
Englewood Social Security Disability Lawyer
New Milford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Teterboro Social Security Disability Lawyer
Englewood Cliffs Social Security Disability Lawyer
North Arlington Social Security Disability Lawyer
Upper Saddle River Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fair Lawn Social Security Disability Lawyer
Northvale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Waldwick Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fairview Social Security Disability Lawyer
Norwood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wallington Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fort Lee Social Security Disability Lawyer
Oakland Social Security Disability Lawyer
Washington Township Social Security Disability Lawyer
Franklin Lakes Social Security Disability Lawyer
Old Tappan Social Security Disability Lawyer
Westwood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Garfield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Oradell Social Security Disability Lawyer
Woodcliff Lake Social Security Disability Lawyer
Glen Rock Social Security Disability Lawyer
Palisades Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wood-Ridge Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hackensack Social Security Disability Lawyer
Paramus Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wyckoff Social Security Disability Lawyer
Park Ridge Social Security Disability Lawyer The above is a complete list of towns in Bergen County, NJ
Allendale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Harrington Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ramsey Social Security Disability Lawyer
Alpine Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hasbrouck Heights Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgefield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Bergenfield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Haworth Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgefield Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Bogota Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hillsdale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ridgewood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Carlstadt Social Security Disability Lawyer
Ho Ho Kus Social Security Disability Lawyer
River Edge Social Security Disability Lawyer
Cliffside Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Leonia Social Security Disability Lawyer
River Vale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Closter Social Security Disability Lawyer
Little Ferry Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rochelle Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Cresskill Social Security Disability Lawyer
Lodi Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rockleigh Social Security Disability Lawyer
Demarest Social Security Disability Lawyer
Lyndhurst Social Security Disability Lawyer
Rutherford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Dumont Social Security Disability Lawyer
Mahwah Social Security Disability Lawyer
Saddle Brook Social Security Disability Lawyer
East Rutherford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Maywood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Saddle River Social Security Disability Lawyer
Edgewater Social Security Disability Lawyer
Midland Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
South Hackensack Social Security Disability Lawyer
Elmwood Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Montvale Social Security Disability Lawyer
TeaneckSocial Security Disability Lawyer
Emerson Social Security Disability Lawyer
Moonachie Social Security Disability Lawyer
Tenafly Social Security Disability Lawyer
Englewood Social Security Disability Lawyer
New Milford Social Security Disability Lawyer
Teterboro Social Security Disability Lawyer
Englewood Cliffs Social Security Disability Lawyer
North Arlington Social Security Disability Lawyer
Upper Saddle River Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fair Lawn Social Security Disability Lawyer
Northvale Social Security Disability Lawyer
Waldwick Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fairview Social Security Disability Lawyer
Norwood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wallington Social Security Disability Lawyer
Fort Lee Social Security Disability Lawyer
Oakland Social Security Disability Lawyer
Washington Township Social Security Disability Lawyer
Franklin Lakes Social Security Disability Lawyer
Old Tappan Social Security Disability Lawyer
Westwood Social Security Disability Lawyer
Garfield Social Security Disability Lawyer
Oradell Social Security Disability Lawyer
Woodcliff Lake Social Security Disability Lawyer
Glen Rock Social Security Disability Lawyer
Palisades Park Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wood-Ridge Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hackensack Social Security Disability Lawyer
Paramus Social Security Disability Lawyer
Wyckoff Social Security Disability Lawyer
Park Ridge Social Security Disability Lawyer The above is a complete list of towns in Bergen County, NJ
What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?
Substantial Gainful Activity often referred to as SGA, is an important Social Security phrase.
When Social Security is making a determination to decide whether or not an applicant is disabled they first look at whether the person is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. If an applicant is able to engage in substantial gainful activity then they will not be found to be disabled.
Each year Social Security adjusts the amount of earnings per month which they consider to be SGA. Here is a chart for the SGA dated back to 1975. In 2011, earnings over $1,000 per month for non-blind individuals were considered to be substantial gainful activity. In 2012, SGA for non-blind individuals will increase to $1,010 per month.
Individuals who are blind have a different SGA than those who are not blind. For non-blind individuals SGA is the same whether you are applying for SSD or SSI. Whereas for blind individuals SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI.
There is a special exception to this rule of not being found to be disabled if earning over SGA. If you can prove that you work in what is known as a "sheltered work environment" then Social Security may ignore the amount of earnings you receive for that work.
When Social Security is making a determination to decide whether or not an applicant is disabled they first look at whether the person is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. If an applicant is able to engage in substantial gainful activity then they will not be found to be disabled.
Each year Social Security adjusts the amount of earnings per month which they consider to be SGA. Here is a chart for the SGA dated back to 1975. In 2011, earnings over $1,000 per month for non-blind individuals were considered to be substantial gainful activity. In 2012, SGA for non-blind individuals will increase to $1,010 per month.
Individuals who are blind have a different SGA than those who are not blind. For non-blind individuals SGA is the same whether you are applying for SSD or SSI. Whereas for blind individuals SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI.
There is a special exception to this rule of not being found to be disabled if earning over SGA. If you can prove that you work in what is known as a "sheltered work environment" then Social Security may ignore the amount of earnings you receive for that work.
Sunday
I Have A Private Long Term Disability Policy, Should I Also Apply for Social Security Disability?
Do you have a long term disability policy with a private insurance carrier or through your employer? If you have one of these policies and become disabled you may have questions about Social Security disability. Chances are if you have questions it's because you have filed for disability benefits through the long term disability policy and now the LTD carrier is telling you that you have to file for Social Security Disability.
I always recommend that anyone who plans on applying for Long Term Disability through their private carrier consults with an attorney that is experienced in this area of the law. This is a tricky area of law and the overwhelming majority of lawyers have no idea how LTD policies are governed and administered. This is not a Long Term Disability blog, but as a Social Security Disability attorney there are times when the two overlap.
Most LTD policies require that if an individual is going to receive benefits under their policy they must apply for Social Security Disability. The majority of these policies will offset the Social Security benefits from your monthly LTD benefits. Basically, if your LTD policy's monthly benefit is $5,000 and your Social Security benefits each month are $1,500 you will only receive $3,500 from your LTD carrier if the LTD policy offsets for Social Security benefits. You would not receive any less money overall, but the sources of the benefits would alter.
Often the LTD carriers will recommend a firm that can assist you with your application for Social Security Disability benefits. It is my advice to stay clear of the company that your LTD carrier has recommended you to. There are literally thousands of firms and attorneys who can assist you, avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.
Some LTD carriers will even lead you to believe that the company is going to assist you free of charge. The reality is that most of these recommended companies have the same contingency agreement that almost every single Social Security Disability attorney or representative has, which will only pay them a percentage of your retroactive benefits if you are awarded. However, the way the LTD carrier phrases it, they make it sound like it is more beneficial for you to use the company they are recommending.
Even if the company is willing to waive their fee of any portion of the retroactive benefits they would be entitled to, as you will see below, often there are much worse consequences
Why do I advise staying away from these Social Security advocacy firms recommended by your LTD carrier? The main reason is because the majority of these firms hire non-attorney representatives. While there are certainly good non-attorney representatives out there, the main concern that I have is that since these representatives are not attorneys they do not have attorney-client confidentiality and therefore the conversations you have with them do not have to remain confidential.
I was recently told by one of my clients that he was recommended by his LTD carrier to use one of these advocacy groups (I won't disclose the name of either the carrier or the company) and they employed these tactics which I consider to be very sneaky. First, the LTD carrier made the individual feel like the advocacy group was going to represent them and advocate for them. In one regard this was true, the advocacy group assisted the individual in applying for SSD benefits. However, since the advocacy group were not attorneys, they did not have an obligation to keep the information confidential. Throughout the process the advocacy group was informing the LTD carrier of the client's medical information which was eventually used as the basis for the LTD carrier to deny the individual LTD benefits.
Once the LTD carrier denied the individual his benefits the advocacy group informed the individual that they would not be assisting him in filing a request for hearing in his application for Social Security Disability benefits. Shortly thereafter, this person came to our firm and retained us to assist him in his application for Social Security disability benefits. Thankfully, at the Administrative Law Hearing I was successful in advocating for my client and he received a "fully favorable" decision.
Despite a happy ending from the Social Security viewpoint, he is still in the middle of appealing the LTD carrier's decision. I do not know if the LTD carrier would have denied his claim had he not retained the advocacy group, but there is no doubt in my mind that they did not fulfill their duty to advocate for him. Additionally, the advocacy group blatantly told him that since there was no attorney-client privilege, they were able to discuss the details of his case and medical issues with the LTD carrier.
If you have a LTD policy and are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you are aware what the repercussions are on your LTD policy if you are awarded or denied SSD. Also, always make sure that the representative that you hire, whether it's an attorney or a non-attorney representative, is looking out for YOUR best interests, not the best interests of an insurance carrier.
I always recommend that anyone who plans on applying for Long Term Disability through their private carrier consults with an attorney that is experienced in this area of the law. This is a tricky area of law and the overwhelming majority of lawyers have no idea how LTD policies are governed and administered. This is not a Long Term Disability blog, but as a Social Security Disability attorney there are times when the two overlap.
Most LTD policies require that if an individual is going to receive benefits under their policy they must apply for Social Security Disability. The majority of these policies will offset the Social Security benefits from your monthly LTD benefits. Basically, if your LTD policy's monthly benefit is $5,000 and your Social Security benefits each month are $1,500 you will only receive $3,500 from your LTD carrier if the LTD policy offsets for Social Security benefits. You would not receive any less money overall, but the sources of the benefits would alter.
Often the LTD carriers will recommend a firm that can assist you with your application for Social Security Disability benefits. It is my advice to stay clear of the company that your LTD carrier has recommended you to. There are literally thousands of firms and attorneys who can assist you, avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.
Some LTD carriers will even lead you to believe that the company is going to assist you free of charge. The reality is that most of these recommended companies have the same contingency agreement that almost every single Social Security Disability attorney or representative has, which will only pay them a percentage of your retroactive benefits if you are awarded. However, the way the LTD carrier phrases it, they make it sound like it is more beneficial for you to use the company they are recommending.
Even if the company is willing to waive their fee of any portion of the retroactive benefits they would be entitled to, as you will see below, often there are much worse consequences
Why do I advise staying away from these Social Security advocacy firms recommended by your LTD carrier? The main reason is because the majority of these firms hire non-attorney representatives. While there are certainly good non-attorney representatives out there, the main concern that I have is that since these representatives are not attorneys they do not have attorney-client confidentiality and therefore the conversations you have with them do not have to remain confidential.
I was recently told by one of my clients that he was recommended by his LTD carrier to use one of these advocacy groups (I won't disclose the name of either the carrier or the company) and they employed these tactics which I consider to be very sneaky. First, the LTD carrier made the individual feel like the advocacy group was going to represent them and advocate for them. In one regard this was true, the advocacy group assisted the individual in applying for SSD benefits. However, since the advocacy group were not attorneys, they did not have an obligation to keep the information confidential. Throughout the process the advocacy group was informing the LTD carrier of the client's medical information which was eventually used as the basis for the LTD carrier to deny the individual LTD benefits.
Once the LTD carrier denied the individual his benefits the advocacy group informed the individual that they would not be assisting him in filing a request for hearing in his application for Social Security Disability benefits. Shortly thereafter, this person came to our firm and retained us to assist him in his application for Social Security disability benefits. Thankfully, at the Administrative Law Hearing I was successful in advocating for my client and he received a "fully favorable" decision.
Despite a happy ending from the Social Security viewpoint, he is still in the middle of appealing the LTD carrier's decision. I do not know if the LTD carrier would have denied his claim had he not retained the advocacy group, but there is no doubt in my mind that they did not fulfill their duty to advocate for him. Additionally, the advocacy group blatantly told him that since there was no attorney-client privilege, they were able to discuss the details of his case and medical issues with the LTD carrier.
If you have a LTD policy and are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you are aware what the repercussions are on your LTD policy if you are awarded or denied SSD. Also, always make sure that the representative that you hire, whether it's an attorney or a non-attorney representative, is looking out for YOUR best interests, not the best interests of an insurance carrier.
Saturday
If I Don't Have Enough Work History Credits, Can I Still Get Benefits?
If you've been told by Social Security that you do not have enough work history credits to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits then there are two different possible solutions for you.
1) Find out your "date last insured" from Social Security and prove that your disability began prior to that date. An experienced Social Security attorney should be able to tell you fairly quickly if you provide them with enough information how likely your chances of success at this are.
If you last worked 15 years ago and only have started seeing a doctor within the past few years, then obviously it's going to be difficult to show that your disability began over 15 years ago. However, if your date last insured was within the past few years and you have significant medical records going back to that time, then your chances of success are much higher.
An attorney that I work with recently was able to prove that her client's disability began in 1989, the case was heard by a judge over twenty years from her date last insured. Although these type of success stories are rare, with the proper documentation, it is certainly possible.
2) If you are unable to prove that you were disabled prior to your date last insured, or you haven't worked enough in your lifetime to have ever had a date last insured, then you may still qualify for disability benefits. Social Security's Supplemental Security Income program is designed for those who are disabled AND have limited income and resources. So, although you may not able to receive SSD, you may qualify for SSI benefits.
1) Find out your "date last insured" from Social Security and prove that your disability began prior to that date. An experienced Social Security attorney should be able to tell you fairly quickly if you provide them with enough information how likely your chances of success at this are.
If you last worked 15 years ago and only have started seeing a doctor within the past few years, then obviously it's going to be difficult to show that your disability began over 15 years ago. However, if your date last insured was within the past few years and you have significant medical records going back to that time, then your chances of success are much higher.
An attorney that I work with recently was able to prove that her client's disability began in 1989, the case was heard by a judge over twenty years from her date last insured. Although these type of success stories are rare, with the proper documentation, it is certainly possible.
2) If you are unable to prove that you were disabled prior to your date last insured, or you haven't worked enough in your lifetime to have ever had a date last insured, then you may still qualify for disability benefits. Social Security's Supplemental Security Income program is designed for those who are disabled AND have limited income and resources. So, although you may not able to receive SSD, you may qualify for SSI benefits.
Friday
Are There Any Disabilities That Social Security Awards Benefits Faster To?
Social Security currently has a list of 113 conditions that it provides benefits for quickly. These conditions are known in Social Security terms as "Compassionate Allowances" and the list was updated most recently earlier this month, with 13 new conditions being recognized by Social Security.
According to Social Security:
According to Social Security:
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal objective medical information. Compassionate Allowances allow Social Security to quickly target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly.Click the link to see the full list of medical conditions approved by Social Security.
Thursday
How Long Does It Take To Receive A Decision?
Ready for the answer that you didn't want to hear? It depends ...
Every single client that walks through the door of my office or that speaks with me on the phone asks me the same exact question. The truth is there is no way to give you a definitive answer. The process can take anywhere from three months to two years (even longer if you file appeals after the Administrative Law Hearing).
The average wait time for a decision at the initial application level is about three to five months. I've had clients who received responses in less time and at the opposite end of the spectrum, just last month my client who had applied almost eight months ago was awarded SSD at the initial application.
If you live in a state that has Reconsideration, this is the technical name for the appeal you file if you are denied at initial application, this stage also typically takes from three to five months. If you live in New Jersey, you must file for Reconsideration. If you live in New York, Social Security skips this step and after you are denied at initial application you immediately Request A Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Typically the longest period of time where there is literally no movement on your application for disability benefits is when you request a hearing. As you can imagine, there are a lot of people filing for disability benefits and not enough judges. This results in waiting anywhere from eight months to fourteen months from the date you request the hearing until the date you are scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge.
Sadly, the wait doesn't end here. Some judges will let you know on the spot whether they are going to approve your disability benefits. However, the majority of the time you must wait to receive the judge's decision in the mail. I've had clients told by the judge the day of the hearing that they were awarded, I've had clients who were informed of the decision within a week or so and then there are the judge's who don't send their decision for over four months from the date of the hearing.
You see, it really is an "it depends" answer. In my opinion, anyone that tells you that they can guarantee you a decision within a set period of time is lying to you.
HZTHWPSKY4G2
Every single client that walks through the door of my office or that speaks with me on the phone asks me the same exact question. The truth is there is no way to give you a definitive answer. The process can take anywhere from three months to two years (even longer if you file appeals after the Administrative Law Hearing).
The average wait time for a decision at the initial application level is about three to five months. I've had clients who received responses in less time and at the opposite end of the spectrum, just last month my client who had applied almost eight months ago was awarded SSD at the initial application.
If you live in a state that has Reconsideration, this is the technical name for the appeal you file if you are denied at initial application, this stage also typically takes from three to five months. If you live in New Jersey, you must file for Reconsideration. If you live in New York, Social Security skips this step and after you are denied at initial application you immediately Request A Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Typically the longest period of time where there is literally no movement on your application for disability benefits is when you request a hearing. As you can imagine, there are a lot of people filing for disability benefits and not enough judges. This results in waiting anywhere from eight months to fourteen months from the date you request the hearing until the date you are scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge.
Sadly, the wait doesn't end here. Some judges will let you know on the spot whether they are going to approve your disability benefits. However, the majority of the time you must wait to receive the judge's decision in the mail. I've had clients told by the judge the day of the hearing that they were awarded, I've had clients who were informed of the decision within a week or so and then there are the judge's who don't send their decision for over four months from the date of the hearing.
You see, it really is an "it depends" answer. In my opinion, anyone that tells you that they can guarantee you a decision within a set period of time is lying to you.
HZTHWPSKY4G2
Wednesday
What Does Date Last Insured Mean?
One of the most common questions I am asked by clients is, what does "date last insured" mean?
"Date last insured," only applies to Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), it does not apply to those who are solely applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Your date last insured is typically 5 years after the date you last worked, or had wages paid into the Social Security system. If you last worked in 2005, it's unlikely that you have a date last insured beyond December 31, 2010. However, it is always important to check with Social Security to find out the exact date you were last insured.
When Social Security references a specific date that you were last insured, they are referring to the last point in time that you are considered to qualify to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. If your date last insured is in the past, do not get disheartened just yet, it is possible to still apply for and be awarded SSD benefits. In order to do that, you must establish that you were disabled from working prior to that date last insured.
So, if you went to Social Security today and you were told that your date last insured was December 31, 2009 you could still potentially apply for SSD benefits if you can show that you were disabled prior to that date. However, if Social Security determines that you were not disabled until some point after that date, you will not be eligible for SSD benefits.
This can be a very confusing issue. If date last insured is an issue in your case, you should definitely seek assistance from an attorney familiar with Social Security Disability.
"Date last insured," only applies to Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), it does not apply to those who are solely applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Your date last insured is typically 5 years after the date you last worked, or had wages paid into the Social Security system. If you last worked in 2005, it's unlikely that you have a date last insured beyond December 31, 2010. However, it is always important to check with Social Security to find out the exact date you were last insured.
When Social Security references a specific date that you were last insured, they are referring to the last point in time that you are considered to qualify to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. If your date last insured is in the past, do not get disheartened just yet, it is possible to still apply for and be awarded SSD benefits. In order to do that, you must establish that you were disabled from working prior to that date last insured.
So, if you went to Social Security today and you were told that your date last insured was December 31, 2009 you could still potentially apply for SSD benefits if you can show that you were disabled prior to that date. However, if Social Security determines that you were not disabled until some point after that date, you will not be eligible for SSD benefits.
This can be a very confusing issue. If date last insured is an issue in your case, you should definitely seek assistance from an attorney familiar with Social Security Disability.
Tuesday
How Far Back Can I Receive Back Payment?
When you are awarded disability benefits by Social Security you will receive a set amount of money each month for as long as Social Security considers you to be disabled. Those who are receiving SSD benefits receive an amount of money each month based on their work earnings record and those receiving SSI benefits receive an amount equal to the maximum amount allowed by Social Security minus set amounts for income or resources.
If you apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits today, then today is the first day that you could possibly receive any back payment once you are awarded. So, if you apply for SSI on December 1, 2011 and you are found to be disabled by Social Security on June 1, 2012 you will receive a check for those months while you waited for your case to be decided. In this example, if Social Security determines that your onset date was December 1, 2011 and you meet the other criteria that the SSI program has (financial component), then you will receive back payment for six months. You will not receive back payment for any months that you do not meet the financial criteria for SSI. Since you first applied for SSI on December 1, 2011 that is the earliest month that you could receive benefits for. This is the case even if your disability began in December, 2008.
It is not as straight forward for those who are applying for SSD. If you have applied for SSD, Social Security allows you to receive retroactive payment for up to twelve months prior to the date that you filed your SSD application (assuming you can prove you were disabled that far back). However, Social Security regulations require that the first five months that you are considered disabled you do not receive any retroactive pay, there is a waiting period.
Using the same dates as above, assume that someone has been disabled since December 1, 2008 but does not apply for SSD until December 1, 2011. If Social Security agrees that the person's onset date is December 1, 2008 it is possible for the applicant to receive retroactive benefits from December 1, 2010 (one year before the initial application was filed). In this situation, the applicant does not lose five months of payment, because their onset date was more than five months before the person was first eligible to receive retroactive back payment.
In both examples you can see why it is very important to file for benefits with Social Security as soon as you know that you are expected to be out of work for at least a year.
This is a complex topic and can be even more confusing if you are applying for both SSD and SSI at the same time.
Onset dates can be a confusing but important issue in any Social Security disability case.
If you apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits today, then today is the first day that you could possibly receive any back payment once you are awarded. So, if you apply for SSI on December 1, 2011 and you are found to be disabled by Social Security on June 1, 2012 you will receive a check for those months while you waited for your case to be decided. In this example, if Social Security determines that your onset date was December 1, 2011 and you meet the other criteria that the SSI program has (financial component), then you will receive back payment for six months. You will not receive back payment for any months that you do not meet the financial criteria for SSI. Since you first applied for SSI on December 1, 2011 that is the earliest month that you could receive benefits for. This is the case even if your disability began in December, 2008.
It is not as straight forward for those who are applying for SSD. If you have applied for SSD, Social Security allows you to receive retroactive payment for up to twelve months prior to the date that you filed your SSD application (assuming you can prove you were disabled that far back). However, Social Security regulations require that the first five months that you are considered disabled you do not receive any retroactive pay, there is a waiting period.
Using the same dates as above, assume that someone has been disabled since December 1, 2008 but does not apply for SSD until December 1, 2011. If Social Security agrees that the person's onset date is December 1, 2008 it is possible for the applicant to receive retroactive benefits from December 1, 2010 (one year before the initial application was filed). In this situation, the applicant does not lose five months of payment, because their onset date was more than five months before the person was first eligible to receive retroactive back payment.
In both examples you can see why it is very important to file for benefits with Social Security as soon as you know that you are expected to be out of work for at least a year.
This is a complex topic and can be even more confusing if you are applying for both SSD and SSI at the same time.
Onset dates can be a confusing but important issue in any Social Security disability case.
Monday
What Can A Social Security Attorney Do For Me?
If you are going to hire an attorney for anything it's always a good idea to know exactly what they are going to do for you.
It is my opinion that every person that wants to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income should use an attorney. It is obviously not impossible to get disability benefits by applying for yourself, but why would you?
Since Social Security regulates how attorneys can be paid in Social Security cases it will not cost you money out of pocket up font. In most cases, your attorney will not be paid unless you are awarded disability benefits. Social Security attorneys who have a standard fee agreement receive 25% of any back payment (maximum is $6,000). In addition to that, clients may be also be responsible for other expenses (medical records, making copies), which must be listed in the signed free agreement. If there is no back payment, there is the potential to receive professional representation in your case and for the attorney to not receive any compensation.
Now, if you are a pessimistic person, right away you should be thinking - if this attorney doesn't do his or her best for me and try to get me benefits, they are wasting their time because they will not get paid. This fee structure entices attorneys to do their best for you because it also benefits them.
Not only this, but applying for disability benefits can be a frustrating and time consuming process. Many clients who come to me explain that they intended to apply for Social Security months ago but kept putting it off because either they weren't having a good day or they didn't feel like spending the one good day they've had in weeks filling out forms.
I can't speak for all attorneys, but here is a list of things that I do for my clients:
It is my opinion that every person that wants to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income should use an attorney. It is obviously not impossible to get disability benefits by applying for yourself, but why would you?
Since Social Security regulates how attorneys can be paid in Social Security cases it will not cost you money out of pocket up font. In most cases, your attorney will not be paid unless you are awarded disability benefits. Social Security attorneys who have a standard fee agreement receive 25% of any back payment (maximum is $6,000). In addition to that, clients may be also be responsible for other expenses (medical records, making copies), which must be listed in the signed free agreement. If there is no back payment, there is the potential to receive professional representation in your case and for the attorney to not receive any compensation.
Now, if you are a pessimistic person, right away you should be thinking - if this attorney doesn't do his or her best for me and try to get me benefits, they are wasting their time because they will not get paid. This fee structure entices attorneys to do their best for you because it also benefits them.
Not only this, but applying for disability benefits can be a frustrating and time consuming process. Many clients who come to me explain that they intended to apply for Social Security months ago but kept putting it off because either they weren't having a good day or they didn't feel like spending the one good day they've had in weeks filling out forms.
I can't speak for all attorneys, but here is a list of things that I do for my clients:
- File the initial application, timely file appeals, timely request an Administrative Law Hearing
- Complete adult disability reports at each level
- Fill out all Function Reports, review Third Party Function Reports, Complete Work History Reports
- Review all medical records to make sure favorable evidence is submitted
- Answer all questions the claimant has about the process
- Communicate with Social Security making sure they have all of the information they need to make a decision on your case
- Communicate with your doctors if required
- At hearing, organizing all medical evidence and presenting it in a favorable prospective to the Administrative Law Judge.
- Represent clients at hearing by asking appropriate questions to persuade the judge that you are disabled
Sunday
What Social Security Disability Benefits Are There?
There are several different types of Social Security Disability benefits/programs. The two most common types are Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When most people refer to Social Security Disability benefits they are referring to SSD.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD), an individual must have enough work history credits which are acquired by paying into the Social Security system. In general, in order to have enough work history credits an individual needs to have worked in five out of the ten years prior to becoming disabled.
In addition to having enough work history credits, an individual must prove that they are disabled. An individual must have a medical condition(s) that meets Social Security's definition of disability. It must be expected that you will be unable to work for at least a year due to your disabilities.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate Social Security program. The major difference between SSD and SSI is that SSI does not require work history in order to qualify. SSI is for individuals who have limited income and resources who are either older than 65, blind or disabled. For the purposes of this blog, if you are a disabled individual with limited income and resources you may qualify for SSI, even if you have little or no work history. Social Security has the same definition of disability for those applying for SSD and SSI.
Social Security looks at the total income, finances and resources of the household when determining whether an individual meets the eligibility criteria for SSI. If a person is married, Social Security will take their spouse's income into consideration. SSI is the only disability benefits program available for children under age 18.
Other Disability Benefits
Disabled Widow's/Widower's Benefits: Disability benefits are also available to those over the age of 50 who are disabled and whose spouse (who has paid into the Social Security system) has died. Social Security requires that the individual became disabled before or within seven years of their spouse's death. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI.
Adults Disabled Before They Are 22 Years Old: Benefits may be available for adults who become disabled prior to the age of 22. The child's parent must either be deceased or already receiving retirement or disability benefits. This individual will receive monthly benefits based on the earnings record of their parent. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI. For other issues concerning benefits payable on a parent's earnings record view the Social Security website.
SSI Disability Benefits For Children: Children up until the age of 18 may qualify for SSI benefits if they are disabled and have limited income and resources. When determining if a child meets the income and resource eligibility criteria for SSI, Social Security will also take into account the income and assets of their parents and other household members.
Social Security has a different disability definition for children under 18. According to Social Security in order to be considered disabled:
Declan Gourley is a Social Security Disability attorney who practices law in the New York/New Jersey area.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD), an individual must have enough work history credits which are acquired by paying into the Social Security system. In general, in order to have enough work history credits an individual needs to have worked in five out of the ten years prior to becoming disabled.
In addition to having enough work history credits, an individual must prove that they are disabled. An individual must have a medical condition(s) that meets Social Security's definition of disability. It must be expected that you will be unable to work for at least a year due to your disabilities.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate Social Security program. The major difference between SSD and SSI is that SSI does not require work history in order to qualify. SSI is for individuals who have limited income and resources who are either older than 65, blind or disabled. For the purposes of this blog, if you are a disabled individual with limited income and resources you may qualify for SSI, even if you have little or no work history. Social Security has the same definition of disability for those applying for SSD and SSI.
Social Security looks at the total income, finances and resources of the household when determining whether an individual meets the eligibility criteria for SSI. If a person is married, Social Security will take their spouse's income into consideration. SSI is the only disability benefits program available for children under age 18.
Other Disability Benefits
Disabled Widow's/Widower's Benefits: Disability benefits are also available to those over the age of 50 who are disabled and whose spouse (who has paid into the Social Security system) has died. Social Security requires that the individual became disabled before or within seven years of their spouse's death. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI.
Adults Disabled Before They Are 22 Years Old: Benefits may be available for adults who become disabled prior to the age of 22. The child's parent must either be deceased or already receiving retirement or disability benefits. This individual will receive monthly benefits based on the earnings record of their parent. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI. For other issues concerning benefits payable on a parent's earnings record view the Social Security website.
SSI Disability Benefits For Children: Children up until the age of 18 may qualify for SSI benefits if they are disabled and have limited income and resources. When determining if a child meets the income and resource eligibility criteria for SSI, Social Security will also take into account the income and assets of their parents and other household members.
Social Security has a different disability definition for children under 18. According to Social Security in order to be considered disabled:
- The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
- The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
Declan Gourley is a Social Security Disability attorney who practices law in the New York/New Jersey area.
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