If you become too disabled to maintain gainful employment, you’re going to worry about the future. How are you going to pay your rent? Cover your medical bills?
Social Security Disability (SSD) is meant to help Delaware residents in your situation. You can file a claim at one of the field offices across the state. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages this program at the federal level, you file your disability claim at your closest field office. This office will review your application before forwarding it to the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) office in New Castle, which will make a final decision on your claim.
Where Can You File for SSD Benefits in Delaware?
There are 10 SSA regions across the United States, each with a regional office. Delaware is in Region 3, along with Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The regional office is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and there are three field offices that process Delaware disability claims.
To apply for disability benefits in Delaware, download an application package from the SSA website and submit it, along with medical documentation of your impairment, to your closest field office. The staff at this location will then forward the package to the DDS office in New Castle. Because this office decides whether or not you qualify for disability benefits, you should address any questions or concerns to that location.
Delaware Disability Statistics
The statistics in this section provide an overview of average processing times, wait times, and other important information about the disability application process in Delaware. This information covers the 09/26/2020 through 10/30/2020 period.
Average Processing Time (in days)
Dover: 347
Average Wait Time for Hearing (in months)
Dover:11
Hearings Held In-Person or Via Video
Dover: In Person (121) Video (0) Total: 121
ODAR Office Approval Ratings (Indicates percentage of claims approved)
Dover: 44%
Appealing Denied Social Security Disability Benefits in Delaware
If you apply for disability benefits in Delaware, your chances of approval are approximately 40%, which is higher than the national average of 35%. If you are denied and request reconsideration, the approval rate is 14% in Delaware while the national average is 13%. In the event that your claim reaches the hearing stage, your chances of being approved for benefits is 56%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 46%. You do, however, have to wait longer for a hearing- 20 months compared to the national average of 18 months.
Being denied for disability benefits on the first attempt does not mean that your case has no merit. Many of those claims are valid but denied for technical reasons like:
- Errors on the application form
- Missing or incomplete medical documents
- Mistakes made when calculating your income
Fortunately, the system allows you to file an appeal if your claim is denied. In Delaware, you have up to 60 days to take action. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to pursue the cash benefits you need to meet your necessary living expenses.
Although your chances of being approved on the first attempt is higher in Delaware than in other states, you should still ensure that your application is as strong as possible. This is where engaging a local SSD lawyer can help.
When you work with a disability attorney, the likelihood of a successful claim may increase because they may know what the DDS examiners are looking for and what mistakes are most likely to result in a denial. They can use these insights to:
- Help you complete the application form
- Clarify what medical documentation you need to include to prove your case
- Make sure that your case for benefits is as strong as possible
If your illness or condition leaves you unable to work and you desperately need disability cash benefits, a Social Security Disability lawyer can help you fight for a positive outcome in your claim.
Help Filing for Disability Benefits in Delaware
Are you about to file for Social Security disability benefits in Delaware? Have you already filed but been denied? Reach out to a Delaware disability benefits lawyer in your area. Your attorney can help you complete the application, appeal a denial, and represent you during any subsequent hearings. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get in touch with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website today!
