If you are unable to work for medical reasons, you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the disability programs. To be approved for disability benefits, you must have a condition that will last a year or longer or end in your death. You must meet specific criteria for your condition in the medical guide, which is also known as the Blue Book.

The majority of disability claims are denied, and it is a challenge to be approved for benefits. If a claim is denied, you file an appeal to get your case reconsidered. If a reconsideration is denied, you will file an appeal and request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

There are numerous reasons for claim denials, but some of the more common reasons are failure to provide hard medical evidence that shows the condition’s severity and how it limits or restricts your ability to work. You must also continue with your medical care because lacking ongoing care can impact your ability to get benefits as well.

Also, if you earn enough to exceed the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA) your claim will be denied. In Kansas, the odds of having a disability claim approved is 33%. The state has one of the highest denial rates in the country with only 47% of disability applicants being approved for benefits. Many of those who get approved have a disability attorney helping them.

Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Kansas

If you have applied for disability benefits and your claim is denied, you can file an appeal to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). These hearings take place at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). There are two different ODAR offices located in Kansas. In Kansas, the current wait time for a hearing in Kansas is 18 months with the average case processing time being 577 days. The state has an average chance of 39% for winning approval at a disability hearing.

In Topeka, there are 9 judges at the ODAR and the average processing time is 557 days. That office has an average 35% approval rate. In Wichita, there are eight judges and it takes an average of 598 days for a claim to be processed. The Wichita ODAR has an average approval rate of 44% on the hearing level. During the hearing, you will be questioned by the judge and a vocational expert.

Your attorney will help you prepare for questioning as he or she will know what kinds of questions you can expect in regards to your specific condition.

Getting Help from a Disability Attorney

Because of the challenge and complexity of disability claims, many of them are denied. You can improve your odds of being awarded benefits by enlisting the help of a disability attorney. Your attorney will ensure all documentation and medical records are gathered so your claim can be assessed fairly and accurately. All your medical records, including physician notes, surgical records, x-rays and scans, lab reports, treatment records, and prescription records must be compiled and easy for Disability Determination Services to access.

There are several SSA offices located throughout the State of Kansas:

Social Security Administration
15375 W 95th Street
Lenexa, KS 66219
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Social Security Administration
3216 N Cypress Drive
Wichita, KS 67226
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Social Security Administration
850 Nebraska Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you are interested in pursuing a claim for disability benefits, you should consult with a disability attorney right away. To get the process started and to get a free case review, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page. You can get your claim started by calling 1-800-772-1213, going online to www.ssa.gov, or by visiting your local SSA office. When you complete the online form, your information will be shared with a local Social Security attorney who can help you proceed with your claim.

Helpful Resources

Applying for Disability in Kansas
Applying for Disability in Kansas City