If medical issues have left you unable to work in Connecticut, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. These benefits are administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA oversees two disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), both of which provide monthly disability benefits to individuals who meet the specific medical criteria to qualify for the program. You will need to provide hard medical evidence and supporting documentation to back up your claim and show the disability examiner the severity of your condition.
Social Security Disability Benefits in Connecticut
You can start the disability claims process online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and speaking with a representative. There are 15 SSA field offices to serve Connecticut. Field offices are located in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, East Hartford, Meriden, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Willimantic.
Disability Determination Services (DDS) is where disability examiners work and review claims and documentation. This is where disability decisions are made. Claim decisions are based on medical records, medical and psychological evidence, continuing disability reviews, and the statement of the applicant. Connecticut’s DDS is located in Hartford.
If your claim is denied during the initial review and during the reconsideration phase, you will want to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). These hearings are scheduled through the Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Connecticut has two ODARs – located in New Haven and Hartford.
Disability Statistics in Connecticut
In Connecticut, 40.5% of disability claims are approved during the initial review, which is higher than the 38.4% national average. On the reconsideration stage, about 17.7% of claims are approved, which is higher than the 13.7% national average. The approval odds increase when you reach the hearing level. In Connecticut, 44% of claims are approved on the hearing level, which is slightly less than the national average of 51.1%.
When you ask for a hearing in Connecticut, there is an average wait of 10.7 months to get your day in court. The key to any successful disability claim is hard medical evidence and supporting documentation. You must prove that your condition is severe enough to keep you from working and that your medical condition meets the criteria to qualify for disability benefits.
A disability attorney may be able to help you throughout the claims process and can represent you before the ALJ at the hearing level. Your lawyer will help you prepare for questioning before the judge and the vocational expert.
Social Security Disability Benefits in Connecticut
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you will need to gather all your documentation and evidence. You will need to prepare a detailed list of all your medical providers, including their names, contact information, and approximate dates of service. You can start your claims process online at the SSA website, which is ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and speaking with a representative. You can also schedule an appointment at a local field office by calling the toll-free number.
Disability attorneys may be familiar with the questions are asked during the disability hearings. Attorneys may also know what kind of supporting evidence is needed, so you can show that you meet the specific criteria of the listing or condition so you can show that you meet the requirements of a disability.
Most claims that are denied are denied simply because there is a lack of supporting evidence and hard medical documentation. If you have your claim in order with supporting documentation, you are more likely to have your claim approved.
SSA statistics show that claimants with legal representation may be more likely to be awarded disability benefits, so you may want to consult with a disability lawyer. An attorney will review your claim and make sure you have all your documentation in order and your medical records are available for review by the disability examiner.
If you are ready to start the disability claims process, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share the details of your disability claim with a disability lawyer who represents disability claimants in Connecticut. Disability lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, so you will not have to pay anything in advance for legal representation.
