If you are a Connecticut worker who can no longer work because of medical problems, you might want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits which are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applying for disability benefits is complicated, requiring extensive documentation and evidence to have a claim approved.
Most claims receive an initial denial, but that decision can be appealed and the claim will then be reconsidered. If it is denied after reconsideration, it can advance to a hearing level where an administrative law judge will decide.
The most common cause for disability claims being denied is the applicant fails to provide access to complete medical records, there is a lack of supporting hard evidence, the disabled individual stops follow-up care, and/or the individual’s income exceeds the limit for substantial gainful activity (SGA). In Connecticut, the denial rate for disability benefits is 70.7%. The state has a denial rate of 89.6% on the reconsideration level. When a claim reaches the hearing level, the denial rate in Connecticut is 45.9%.
Visiting the Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review in Connecticut
When the reconsideration of claim is denied and you file another appeal, the claim will advance to the hearing level which involves a visit to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). At the ODAR an administrative law judge will hear your case and make a ruling. He or she will ask you about your condition, your limitations, and your restrictions.
A vocational expert will ask you about your work history, work skills, educational background, restrictions, and limitations to determine what kind of work you might be able to do. After appealing your reconsideration denial, it can take anywhere from several months to two years to be scheduled for your hearing. It can then take up to 60 days after the hearing to learn how the judge decided your case.
Connecticut has several ODAR offices located throughout the state. The office in Hartford has seven judges and the average wait for a hearing date is 16 months. The Hartford ODAR approves 38% of the cases that it hears. New Haven ODAR also has seven judges and a 14-month wait to have a hearing date scheduled with a 40% approval rate for those who appeal to reach the hearing level. With an attorney, your odds of being awarded benefits at the hearing level increase significantly. Having thorough documentation, detailed medical records, and by understanding the questions you are asked and properly responding to them, your odds of approval can increase significantly.
Getting Help From A Connecticut Social Security Attorney
Disability claims are complex, and most claimants are denied benefits. To make sure your claim is on track, you need to consult with a Connecticut Social Security lawyer. An attorney will gather up all the documentation to support your claim, including medical records, test reports, and surgical notes.
Your claim cannot be accurately evaluated if Disability Determination Services does not have access to all your records. You must present hard medical evidence that will show that your condition does meet the medical criteria required to be approved for disability benefits.
With the help of a Connecticut disability lawyer, your claim can progress more efficiently. Your attorney can accompany you to your local SSA office and ensure all your documentation is in order. Your lawyer can also help you when you are communicating with the representatives at the SSA. An attorney can also help you at the hearing level and prepare you for questioning and represent you before the judge. There are SSA offices throughout the State of Connecticut. Some of those offices include:
US Social Security Administration
425 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
US Social Security Administration
35 Courtland Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
US Social Security Administration
150 Court Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
If you are ready to file a disability claim, consult with a Social Security attorney today. On this page, there is a Free Case Evaluation Form. Complete that form so your details can be shared with an attorney who can help you get your claim on track.
