ODAR Hearing Offices - Philadelphia - Region III

Information about ODAR (Region III - Philadelphia) - The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is based out of Philadelphia, PA and provides coverage for residents of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. ODAR Hearing Offices in the Region III Philadelphia area consist of 18 ODAR hearing offices. Below is the physical address of the regional office:

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 4th Floor 300 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123 Telephone: (215) 597- 4100 Fax: (215) 597- 4183

Baltimore, MD Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
The Symphony Center, Room 300
1010 Park Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-5600

Telephone: (410) 962-3361
Fax: (410) 962-6999

ODAR Coverage Area:
MD: Baltimore, Downtown East, Mondawmin, North, Northeast, Northwest, West, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Catonsville, Towson, Bel Air, Eastpoint, Garrison, Randallstown, Westminster, Frederick, Hagerstown
WV: Martinsburg

Charleston, WV Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 100
500 Quarrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25301

Telephone: (304) 347-5156
Fax: (304) 344-3359

ODAR Coverage Area:
Beckley, Charleston, Logan, St. Albans, Parkersburg, Williamson, Welch

Charlottesville, VA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor,
1470 Pantops Mountain Place
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911

Telephone: (434) 977-3456
Fax: (434) 295-4515

ODAR Coverage Area:
Charlottesville, Culpeper, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Covington, Farmville, Danville, Martinsville, South Boston

Dover, DE Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 100
500 W. Lockerman Street,
Dover, DE 19904

Telephone: (302) 674-7000
Fax: (302) 674-7024

ODAR Coverage Area:
DE: Dover, Georgetown, New Castle
MD: Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury
VA: Accomac

Elkins Park, PA

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 250
8380 Old York Road
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027

Telephone: (215) 887-2191
Fax: (215) 887-0541

ODAR Coverage Area:
Allentown, Bethlehem, Bustleton, Easton, Fairless Hills, Jenkintown, Norristown, Pottstown, West Chester

Harrisburg, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
8th Floor
2 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101

Telephone: (717) 782-3815
Fax: (717) 236-3150

ODAR Coverage Area:
Carlisle, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lewistown, Chambersburg, Lebanon, Reading

Huntington, WV Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
301 9th Street, 2nd Floor Annex
Huntington, West Virginia 25701

Telephone: (304) 529-5531
Fax: (304) 529-5066

ODAR Coverage Area:
KY: Ashland, Pikeville, Prestonsburg
WV: Huntington

Johnstown, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 200
334 Washington Street
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15901-9954

Telephone: (814) 533-4462
Fax: (814) 535-4057

ODAR Coverage Area:
Altoona, DuBois, Greenburg, Indiana, Johnstown, Kittanning, New Kensington, Somerset, State College

Morgantown, WV

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
6 Suburban Court
Chestnut Ridge Road
Morgantown, West Virginia 26505

Telephone: (304) 285-4250
Fax: (304) 285-4326

ODAR Coverage Area:
WV: Clarksburg, Elkins, Fairmont, Morgantown, Petersburg, Wheeling
PA: Uniontown
MD: Cumberland

Norfolk, VA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
5850 Lake Herbert Drive, 3rd Floor
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Telephone: (757) 459-4900
Fax: (757) 459-6733

ODAR Coverage Area:
VA: Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach
NC: Elizabeth City, Ahoskie

Philadelphia, PA

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
1601 Market Street, 21st Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

Telephone: (215) 982-4730
Fax: (215) 982-4734

ODAR Coverage Area:
Philadelphia Downtown, Broad Street, South, West, Woodland Avenue

Philadelphia East, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 502
833 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107

Telephone: (215) 597-3340
Fax: (215) 597-3480

ODAR Coverage Area:
Chester, Kensington & Allegheny (K&A), Nicetown, Philadelphia Germantown, Upper Darby

Pittsburgh, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
1000 Liberty Avenue, Suite 2308
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Telephone: (412) 644-2751
Fax: (412) 644-4200

ODAR Coverage Area:
PA: Ambridge, Beaver Falls, Charleroi, McKeesport, Monroeville, New Kensington, Pittsburgh Downtown, Pittsburgh Brentwood, Pittsburgh East, Pittsburgh Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh Northside, Washington
OH: Steubenville, East Liverpool

Richmond, VA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
801 East Main Street
4th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2406

Telephone: (804) 771-2977
Fax: (804) 771-2405

ODAR Coverage Area:
Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Richmond Downtown, Richmond West, Richmond East

Roanoke, VA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 201
116 North Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24016

Telephone: (540) 857-2240
Fax: (540) 857-2635

ODAR Coverage Area:
VA: Roanoke, Wytheville, Bristol, Wise
WV: Bluefield

Seven Fields, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
One Adams Place, Building B
300 Seven Fields Blvd, Suite 200
Mars, PA 16046

Telephone: (724) 742-4800
Fax: (724) 742-4836

ODAR Coverage Area:
Meadville, Butler, Sharon, Oil City, New Castle, Erie

Washington D.C. Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Union Center Plaza II, Suite 950
820 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-4205

Telephone: (202) 523-0408
Fax: (202) 408-8995

ODAR Coverage Area:
District of Columbia: "M" Street, Postal Plaza, Shepards Park
MD: Anacostia, Brightseat, Camp Springs, Greenbelt, Rockville, Wheaton
VA: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Manassas, Winchester

Wilkes-Barre, PA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Stegmaier Building, Suite 201
7 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702-5242

Telephone: (570) 826-6419
Fax: (570) 821-4169

ODAR Coverage Area:
Bloomsburg, Carbondale, Hazleton, Pottsville, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Towanda, Stroudsburg, Sunbury


For more updated information about the Philadelphia Region III ODAR offices, please visit SSA.gov

Have questions about how Social Security Attorneys can help with ODAR hearings? Click to learn about SSDI lawyers and ODAR hearings.



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ODAR Hearing Offices - New York - Region II

Information about ODAR (Region II - New York) - The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is based out of New York City and provides coverage for residents of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. ODAR Hearing Offices in the Region II New York area consist of 14 ODAR hearing offices and 1 regional office. Below is the physical address of the regional office:

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Room 34-116 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278 Telephone: (212) 264-4036 Fax: (212) 264-1519

Albany, NY Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
6th Floor
74 North Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12207-2211

Telephone: (866) 862-7348

Fax: (518) 462-1933

ODAR Coverage Area:
Albany, Gloversville, Hudson, Kingston, Oneonta, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie, Queensbury, Schenectady, Troy

Bronx, NY Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
2nd Floor, Suite 4
226 East 161st Street
Bronx, New York 10451

Telephone: (718) 537-4958

Fax: (718) 590-1673

ODAR Coverage Area:
East Bronx, Hunts Point, Laconia Avenue, North Bronx, West Farms

Brooklyn, NY Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
18th Floor
111 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201-9238

Telephone: (718) 330-7861

Fax: (718) 330-2009

ODAR Coverage Area:
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, NY Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 200
Buffalo, New York 14202

Telephone: (716) 551-4711

Fax: (716) 551-4078

ODAR Coverage Area:
Amherst, Batavia, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Geneva: Zip codes 13026, 13034, 13071, 13081, 13117, 13139, 13140, 13147, 13160, Greece, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, Ridge Road, Rochester

Jericho, NY Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
375 North Broadway
Jericho, New York 11753

Telephone: (516) 942-0244

Fax: (516) 942-0353

ODAR Coverage Area:
Freeport, Long Beach, Melville, Mineola, Patchogue, Riverhead, West Babylon

Mayaguez

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Medical Emporium Building
351 Ave Hostos, Suite 301
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00680-1507

Telephone: (787) 831-3300

Fax: (787) 831-3452

ODAR Coverage Area:
Aguadilla, Mayaguez

Newark, NJ Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
3rd Floor
1100 Raymond Blvd.
Newark, New Jersey 07102

Telephone: (973) 645-3868

Fax: (973) 645-2467

ODAR Coverage Area:
Clifton, East Orange, Elizabeth, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, New Brunswick, Newark, Newton, Parsippany, Paterson, Somerville, Springfield Ave, Woodbridge

New York, NY 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

ODAR Coverage Area:
Bronx Hub, Chinatown, Downtown, East Harlem, East Village, Grand Central/United Nations, Hylan Blvd, Midtown, South Bronx, Staten Island, Uptown, Washington Heights

Ponce, PR Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Executive Hall, Suite 281
441 Calle Ferrocarril
Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731-1102

Telephone: (787) 841-3176

Fax: (787) 841-3180

ODAR Coverage Area:
Cayey, Guayama, Ponce, Yauco

Queens, NY Office (relocated to Jamaica, NY)

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
155-10 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor
Jamaica, NY 11431

Our mailing address is :
Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Joseph P. Addabo Federal Building
P.O. Box 319300
Jamaica, NY 11431

ODAR Coverage Area:
Astoria, Cypress Hills: Zip codes 11414, 11416, 11417, 11418, 11419, 11420 and 11421, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Glendale, Jamaica, Long Island City, Rego Park

Rochester, NY 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: (585) 263-5771

Fax: (585) 263-5792

San Juan, PR Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Capital Office Building
800 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 10 th floor
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907

Telephone: (787) 729-7494

Fax: (787) 729-6883

ODAR Coverage Area:
Puerto Rico (PR): Arecibo, Bayamon, Caguas, Carolina, Fajardo, Hato Rey, Hato Tejas, Humacao, Manati, San Juan, San Patricio
U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas

Syracuse HO

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
300 S. State Street, 5th floor
Syracuse, New York 13202

Telephone: (315) 479-3900

Fax: (315) 479-3933

ODAR Coverage Area:
Binghamton, Corning, Elmira, Geneva: Zip codes 13026, 13034, 13071, 13081, 13117, 13139, 13140, 13147, 13160, Ithaca, Ogdensburg, Oswego, Rome, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown

Voorhees, NJ Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Voorhees Corporate Center, Suite 200
333 Laurel Oak Road
Voorhees, New Jersey 08043

Telephone: (856) 627-9770

Fax: (856) 627-8796

ODAR Coverage Area:
Brick, Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Egg Harbor Township, Glassboro, Mount Holly, Neptune, Rio Grande, Toms River, Trenton

White Plains HO

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 202
75 South Broadway
White Plains, New York 10601

Telephone: (914) 761-7190

Fax: (914) 682-7006

ODAR Coverage Area:
Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Newburgh, Peekskill, West Nyack, White Plains, Yonkers




For more updated information about the New York Region II ODAR offices, please visit SSA.gov

Have questions about how Social Security Attorneys can help with ODAR hearings? Click to learn about SSDI lawyers and ODAR hearings.


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ODAR Hearing Offices - Boston - Region I

Information about ODAR (Region I - Boston) - The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is based out of Boston and provides coverage for the six New England states (MA, RI, CT, ME, NH, VT). Below is the physical address of the regional office:

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
10th Floor
One Bowdoin Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02114

Telephone: (617) 720-0438
Fax: (617) 723-2985

Boston, MA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
4th Floor
One Bowdoin Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02114

Telephone: (617) 523-3213
Fax: (617) 248-0978

Coverage Area:
Boston, Brookline, Brockton, Hanover, Cambridge, Chelsea, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Gardner, Framingham, Haverhill, Hyannis, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Norwood, Quincy, Roxbury, Dorchester, Roslindale, Salem, Waltham

Hartford, CT Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
William R. Cotter Federal Building
135 High Street, Room 331
Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1193

Telephone: (860) 240-4333
Fax:(860) 724-9843

Coverage Area:
Hartford, East Hartford, New Britain, Bristol, Torrington, Waterbury, Willimantic, Middletown

Manchester, NH Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 303
1750 Elm Street
Manchester, New Hampshire 03104

Telephone: (603) 629-9326
Fax: (603) 623-4050

Coverage Area:

NH: Concord, Littleton, Manchester, Nashua, Keene, Portsmouth
VT: Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland

New Haven, CT Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street, 22nd Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06510

Telephone: (203) 787-7771
Fax: (203) 787-7777

Coverage Area:
New Haven, Ansonia, Bridgeport, East Bridgeport, Danbury, New London, Norwich, Meriden, Stamford, Norwalk

Portland, ME

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 600
One Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04101-4092

Telephone: (207) 780-3271
Fax: (207) 780-3705

Coverage Area:
Augusta, Rockland, Waterville, Bangor, Rumford, Portland, Biddeford, Presque Isle, Lewiston-Auburn

Providence, RI Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
155 Westminster Street, Suite 1000W
10th Floor
Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Telephone: (401) 272-0987
Fax: (401) 272-3052

Coverage Area:

MA: Attleboro, Fall River, Taunton, New Bedford
RI: Pawtucket, Providence, Newport, Warwick, Woonsocket

Springfield, MA Office

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 450
1441 Main Street
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

Telephone: (413) 746-2445
Fax: (413) 734-2347

Coverage Area:
Springfield, Holyoke, Greenfield, Pittsfield, North Adams, Worcester

For more updated information about the Boston Region I ODAR offices, please visit SSA.gov

Have questions about how Social Security Attorneys can help with ODAR hearings? Click to learn about SSDI lawyers and ODAR hearings.


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Disability Report Form Guide (Adults)

I saw this on SSA.gov. Click the link to go to Social Security's Disability Report Form Guide (Adult)

Leukemia Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI, SSI)

As defined in Section 13.06, the Social Security Administration defines Leukemia into two categories, Acute Leukemia (including T-cell lymphoblastic) and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Leukemia is a very difficult disease. Suffers of Leukemia are often unable to maintain employment as a result of the disease.

Acute Leukemia can be considered under disability at 24 months from the date of diagnosis or relapse, or 12 months from the date of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, whichever comes later. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia can be described in an accelerated or blast phase, else a chronic phase.

Leukemia Disability Impairment and Collecting Medical Evidence

It is critical that you are seeing your doctor regularly and following through with treatment. While meeting with your doctor, ensure that you are documenting your symptoms and impairments. When describing your symptoms to your doctor, make sure your doctor is writing down these symptoms in your file. This will help serve as medical evidence in your Social Security disability claim.

Lawyers Helping Leukemia (SSDI and SSI Disability) Claims

Suffers of Leukemia often find maintaining employment to be difficult. Experienced Leukemia disability lawyers can help with Leukemia Social Security disability benefits claims. It is important that a SSDI lawyer working with a Leukemia impairment benefits claim provide documentation of symptoms. Documenting the medical evidence within a Leukemia disability claim is essential to win Social Security disability benefits.

Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

SSDI Application Submission Expectations

If you've sumitted your SSDI application recently you're probably asking you're "what's next?" After your SSDI application has been submitted there are a serious of steps that occur to help Social Security determine if you will be awarded SSDI benefits.

Social Security Reviewing Medical Records

Social Security will attempt to obtain your disability medical records from your doctors. You may also be asked to see Social Security's doctors based on different aspects of your disability. Typically these doctor visits are quick examinations.

At these doctor visits the doctor reviewing your disability typically does not have access to your medical records. The doctor's verbal comments may lead you to believe he understands your condition and believes you are disabled. The doctor's written report will often be far different and not in your favor.

SSDI Benefits, a 50/50 chance

At the initial level more than 65% of all claims are denied. With less than a 50/50 chance, what can you do? For starters, don't give up! Documenting and proving your disability case is not easy. It is your job to present your disability case.

SSDI Lawyers can help improve your odds of winning SSDI benefits. If your claim is denied at the intial level, remember there is an appeal process. Also remember, the sooner you talk to an SSDI lawyer about your disability claim, the sooner the process can be affected.

Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

SSDI Benefits and Work Limitations

People collecting Social Security Disability (SSDI) sometimes question if they can collect disability AND work. The short answer is "yes," but certain rules apply. For starters there is a "Trial Work Period."

SSDI Trial Work Period
In the trial work period you are allowed to work up to 9 months within a fiver year period and continue to collect your SSDI benefits. After your 9 month trial period is up there is a limitation to the amount of money you can earn independent of SSDI and still maintain your SSDI benefits. In 2007 this limit was $900 / month and in 2006 the limit was $860 / month.

What happens if I exceed the earnings limit?
Earning more than the above limits come with consequences. If you exceed earning limitations you will be asked to repay your SSDI benefits back to Social Security for that month. The Social Security Administration will review your earnings on a monthly basis - excessive earning can jeopordize your Social Security disability benefits.

SSDI Benefits Impacted by a Pattern of Work
If the SSA notices there is a pattern and you are regularly showing a pattern of work, the SSA may decide to review your case entirely to determine if benefits should be continued.

Receiving Maximum SSDI Benefits
Are you receiving the maximum disability benefits allowed under SSDI? Are you looking to claim SSDI benefits? Whether you have applied for disability or applied and been denied disability a experienced SSDI lawyer can help. Those that qualify for SSDI benefits should know what type of work limitations are allowed.


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Mental Disorder Disability Impairments

If you were not aware as of 12/18/07 there have been Social Security Administration updates to Mental Disorder Disability Impairments.

Below is a list of mental disability impairments:

• 12.02 - Organic Mental Disorders
  
• 12.03 - Schizophrenic, paranoid and other psychotic disorders
• 12.04 - Affective disorders
• 12.05 - Mental retardation
• 12.06 - Anxiety-related disorders
• 12.07 - Somatoform disorders
• 12.08 - Personality disorders
• 12.09 - Substance addiction disorders
• 12.10 - Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders

In order to receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits medical evidence and an assessment of the severity of functional limitations must be documented.

Medical Evidence
Social Security must be provided with the existence of medically determinable impairment(s) through medical evidence. To document this evidence must be provided to the symptoms, signs and laboratory findings (including psychological tests). Symptoms are defined as your own description of mental impairments. Though not in all cases, symptoms and signs generally cluster together forming a recognizable mental disorder.

Measuring Severity
Social Security will measure the severity of the mental disorder according to the functional limitations the condition imposes. Functional limitations are assessed by reviewing: activities of daily living (ADL), social functioning, concentration and persistence among others.

The full description of mental impairments impairments is available at SSA.gov.

Looking to make more sense of mental disability impairments? The language can be difficult to understand by most, however a experienced mental impairment lawyer can help explain the process, gather the required information and present your benefits claim to Social Security. If you think you have a disability claim that can be won and are afraid to handle your disability case on your own, please consider contacting a mental disorder disability lawyer. You will be surprised how disability attorney fees are structured to help you win back benefits and ensure you are receiving the maximum benefits you are entitled to.

Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

Social Security Disability Attorney Fees

People are sometimes reluctant to seek an attorney's advice for legal issues. Many times people are concerned that they cannot afford to be represented by a disability attorney and therefore they decide to represent their own disability benefits case. While you are allowed to represent yourself, doing so because you are concerned with cost is not necessarily the right reason. Many attorneys charge fees only if you win social security disability benefits.

When looking for an attorney for your social security disability claim it is important to find one that you are comfortable with. Having trust in your attorney to win your disability case is crucial. It is also important that you know how all SSD attorney fees are structured. One way disability attorney fees can be structured is to only collect if you win benefits and draw attorney fees from your pool of back benefits pay.

What this does is create a situation that requires your attorney to win disability benefits for you in order to collect attorney fees. If your attorney does not win, then you pay no fees. This puts you in a situation where you have nothing to lose (and everything to gain). Equally important to paying attorney fees only if you win is to ensure you receive your full disability benefits that do not include attorney fees. This is done by capping attorney fees.

Capped Attorney Fees for Winning a Disability Claims

What is a fair disability attorney fee for winning your case? You don't want to feel that you paid too much in attorney fees, but at the same time if you represent yourself and lose you'll be kicking yourself because you didn't consult with an attorney to represent your disability claim. A practice that appeals to claimants is to pay disability attorney fees using back benefits that are owed to you. This is the time period from the date you became disabled to the time you win benefits.

Back Benefits and Disability Attorney Fees

Many do not know that you may be able to receive back disability benefits from the date of disability. It is important to know that you can apply for disability benefits the day you become disabled. If you win disability benefits you may receive back benefits from the date you became disabled. These back benefits are capped at on year prior to the date you filed for disability. Another words, if you wait longer than one year to apply for disability from the date you became disabled you will not be able to collect those benefits. These back benefits pool is a place where attorney fees can come from. It is ideal for the claimant for benefits to come from a pool of back benefits and not future benefits.

Having Doubt with Self Representation

If you are having doubts with self-representing it is recommended you speak with an experienced attorney that is knowledgeable with social security disability cases. Find a lawyer that you trust to represent your claim and look into how attorney fees are structure. Ideally you want to pay only if the attorney wins your disability claim and ensure attorney fees are capped on your back benefits.


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SSD Lawyers and ODAR, DDS, Disability Eligibility

How do you determine is you are eligible for disability benefits? The Social Security disability benefits claim process can seem confusing. There are a lot of good resources on the web, such as SSA.gov.

There are alot of terms that might be new to you (DDS and ODAR for example). Here is an overview of disability eligibility.

After your Social Security disability application is complete, the Social Security office reviews it to determine if you meet the essential disability benefit requirements. This group looks at your work history, age and also if you are applying for benefits on behalf of a family member. After this is complete, the Social Security office sends your application to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.

DDS - Disability Determination Services

Your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your disability application to decide whether you quality for disability under the Social Security law at the first two stages:

1. Application
2. Reconsideration

ODAR - Office of Disability Adjudication and Review

Should your disability claim be denied a "Request for Reconsideration" by the Disability Determination Services your claim will be removed from the state level and assigned to a Federal Law Judge. Should your case make it to this stage your Social Security disability attorney should begin preparing you and your disability claim for a court hearing.

SSD Lawyers and Disability Eligibility

SSD Lawyers are able to help you with your Disability Eligibility paperwork. It is important your disability lawyer has a dedicated legal team to help you process your Social Security Disability Application. In addition to your disability application, additional paperwork will be required to document your claim. Your SSD lawyer should work with you to collect and assemble required paperwork. This paperwork typically includes the Social Security disability application in addition to medical records that document your disability impairments.



Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) Benefits?

Social Security Disability (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to you and to certain members of your family. To qualify for Social Security Disability you need to provide the the SSA with a documented impairment that prevents you from workings (called vocational limitations). In addition to your medically documented impairment, you will need to have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

The Federal law is strict when defining "disability." According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, "Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death." There are two tests that help guide Social Security, the recent work test and duration of work test. These tests act as general guidelines for the Social Security representatives.

How do I meet the earnings requirement for disability benefits?

As a general guideline to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits you must meet two different earnings tests:

1. Recent Work - This test is based on your age at the time you became disabled.


2. Duration of Work - This test shows that you worked long enough under Social Security.

Note: Certain blind workers must only meet the "duration of work" test.

The information below (from Social Security Online) show the rules for how much work you need for the “recent work” test and "duration of work" test. The rules in the first table are based on the calendar quarter in which you turned or will turn a certain age.

Definition of Calendar Quarter:

First Quarter: January 1 - March 31

Second Quarter: April 1 - June 30

Third Quarter: July 1 - September 30

Fourth Quarter: October 1 - December 31

SSD Recent Work Test

- Younger than age 24 (worked 1.5 of the last 3 years prior to your disability beginning)

- Age 24 - 31 (Your Age minus 21, divided by two) For example if you became disabled at age 28, then you would have needed to work 3.5 years from the time you turned 21 (28-21 / 2 = 3.5)

- Age 31 and older (worked 5 of the last 5 years prior to your disability beginning)

The following table shows examples of how much work you need to meet the “duration of work test” if you become disabled at various selected ages. For the “duration of work” test, your work does not have to fall within a certain period of time.

NOTE: This information does not cover all situations.

Age of Disability – Years of Work Generally Needed

Before age 28 ~ 1.5 years of work

Age 30 ~ 2 years

Age 34 ~ 3 years

Age 38 ~ 4 years

Age 42 ~ 5 years

Age 44 ~ 5.5 years

Age 46 ~ 6 years

Age 48 ~ 6.5 years

Age 50 ~ 7 years

Age 52 ~ 7.5 years

Age 54 ~ 8 years

Age 56 ~ 8.5 years

Age 58 ~ 9 years

Age 60 ~ 9.5 years

Lawyers and Social Security Disability (SSDI) Benefits

It is recommended that you apply for SSDI benefits as soon as you become disabled. The application process can be lengthy, lasting three to five months for processing. When applying for SSDI, the Social Security Administration will need you to complete an application for Social Security Benefits and the Disability Report. If you are having a difficult time getting this information together a SSDI Benefits Lawyer can help you assemble the required paperwork and apply for SSDI Benefits.

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SSI Disability DDS Reconsideration

If your initial SSI Disability claim was denied, there is a good chance when you file for Reconsideration (first appeal), you will also be denied.

DDS – Disability Determination Services

DDS is the state level for disability claims. Their job is to initially determine which social security disability benefits cases qualify to receive benefits. If you lose your initial claim the same group that just denied your disability claim will review your claim again. For your disability claim to win Reconsideration the DDS would have to admit they were wrong with the initial claim.

As bleak as this sounds--expect your disability claim to be denied at the Reconsideration level.

Appealing the Disability Claim to a Social Security Judge

Presenting your disability case to a judge is the third attempt to gain disability benefits. This judge will review the claim and any disability medical records. During this appeal it would be beneficial to have a SSI Disability Lawyer present representing your case. Disability lawyers can help organize your case so it is presented best to an appeals judge.

Remember, if your SSI Disability claim is denied at the initial level don’t give up! It is frustrating, but most likely your claim will also be denied by DDS at the Reconsideration level. To help affect the process consider consulting a SSI Disability Lawyer early in the process. These lawyers will have present your case and increase your chances of wining disability benefits.


Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

Appealing a Denied Social Security Disability Claim

Often deserving SSDI claims are denied because the proper documentation is not in place to support the claim. When an application is denied there is an appeal process.

Understanding the Social Security Disability Appeal Process

You have options should your claim be denied. Please do not give up. You can appeal your denial by filing a request for reconsideration within 60 days of your claim being denied. Should this appeal also be denied there is another appeal in the form of a hearing. This hearing is held before a Social Security judge.

Social Security Judges vs. Claim Agents

Your case will initially be handed by a Social Security claim agent to determine if you qualify for SSDI. Should your case be denied and you appeal your case will be presented to a Social Security Judge. These judges have more decision making power than claim agents. When having an appeal hearing before a judge it is recommended having a social security disability lawyer present. This will greatly improve your chances of winning your SSDI claim.

Social Security Appeals Council and Federal District Court

If you lose your hearing there are still two options:

1. The Appeals Council
2. Federal District Court

Should your case make it to this level you should seek out the representation of an experienced lawyer.

As you can see, it can take time to get your SSDI claim approved. Should you lose your case initially, don't panic. There are several appeal opportunities. If you feel you need help building your SSDI claim then look to consult an experienced lawyer that has experience with SSDI claims.


Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

Preparing for a SSI Hearing

Having your SSI case denied at the initial and reconsideration levels is scary. The next step is to request a SSI hearing. If you are not working with an attorney for your SSI hearing you may want to consider doing so. The earlier a social security disability attorney gets involved in the earlier the process can be affected.

Attorneys can make a difference: Statistics have shown that claimants have much better chances of winning their SSI claim when a SSI attorney or legal representative is helping with the case. Most often attorneys will accept social security disability income cases under the contingency that a fee is only required unless you win your case. This means there no up front fees.

Attorneys help build your SSI claim: Filing the proper paperwork is part of the battle. To present your case you will want to also provide doctor notes about your disability. In addition, you should be able to provide your theory of disability in under three sentences.

Receiving SSI Disability back payments: It is important to know that you may receive back SSI benefits from the date you became disabled, but these benefits are capped at one year before the date you filed for social security disability benefits.


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Your SSI Disability Hearing and Doctor Notes

If you were a judge, which statement has more impact?

1. “Ouch it hurts!”
2. “I am unable to stand/work for more than 15 minutes every 3 hours.”

Statements like “Ouch it hurts!” will not give a judge specific vocational limitations at your SSI hearing. Your case needs to have supporting material that documents your disability. Getting supporting material and documents for your disability claim takes time. This is where a SSI lawyer working with your doctor can be a good resource.

Translating Medical Records: Have you ever noticed how much of your medical file with your doctor is handwritten? Often difficult to read, doctor’s notes are very important and can make or break your SSI disability claim. Your doctor’s primary focus is helping with the treatment of your disability. If Social Security cannot understand your doctor’s handwriting, your case could be at risk. It is important your lawyer has your doctor’s medical notes in a form that is legible. Your lawyer will want to translate your doctor’s medical findings into work limitations to help build your SSI case.



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How to Apply for SSI Disability Benefits

People want to know when they should apply for SSI disability benefits. As soon as you become disabled you may file for disability benefits by phone (1-800-772-1213), mail or by visiting the nearest social security office.

It is important to note that you may received back benefits from the date you became disabled, but these benefits are capped to one year before the date you filed for social security disability benefits.

Remember, the longer you wait to get started, the longer it will be until you receive your benefits and you can lose some disability benefits forever by waiting too long.

Lawyers can help you receive back SSI disability benefits
If you have more detailed questions about filing for SSI disability benefits or looking to receive back benefits for a disability please contact a SSI lawyer. The sooner a lawyer gets involved in your case, the earlier the process can be affected.




Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers

Who Decides If I Qualify for Social Security Disability?

To qualify for social security disability income (SSDI) several criteria will be examined. You must send you completed application to the Social Security office where it will be reviewed to see if you meet the basic requirements for disability benefits.

Social Security and Employment History
Social Security personnel will look at whether you have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for social security benefits. They will also look at your age and examine if you are applying for the benefits as a family member.

Disability Determination Services (DDS) office
The Social Security office will send your application to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in your state. DDS personnel will determine whether you are disabled under the Social Security law at the first two stages:

1. Application
2. Reconsideration

Note: An appeal removes your claim from the State Agency and then assigns it to a Federal Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.

SSDI Lawyers
Having a SSDI Lawyer can help you process your case with your local Disability Determination Services office. Your chances of winning your social security disability claim are greatly increased with a lawyer representing your disability case.

Do I need a lawyer for my SSDI case?

People often ask, “Do I need a lawyer to help me with my social security disability income (SSDI) claim?

Social Security personnel are trained to answer with a "no." This is because you have the option to represent yourself.

Let's Rephrase the question…

Are my chances of winning better if I hire a lawyer than if I do it on my own?

The SSA personnel are specifically trained to answer this question as well. The response you will receive: "We cannot answer that."


The Benefit of Lawyers representing your Social Security Disability Income Claim:

Across the country people that have lawyers representing their SSDI claim win more often than people that don't. It's just that simple.

This blog is resource for all looking to win their SSDI benefits claim. To discuss your individual situation or if you require additional resources, please talk to a social security disability lawyer for a free consultation.