Portsmouth, Virginia is located along the western shore of the Elizabeth River, extending 46.6 square miles. Part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan area, Portsmouth faces the city of Norfolk, which sits just east of the river. With more than 95,000 residents in the city, Portsmouth is a city steeped in history, the remnants of which can still be seen along the streets of Portsmouth. In recent years, the city government has been targeting several industries for growth in Portsmouth including residential development, retail, healthcare and government contracting.
The Social Security Administration reports that in December 2011, there were 27,835 Portsmouth residents listed as beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Portsmouth workers who are suffering from a physical or mental condition that keeps them from being able to work for at least a year may qualify to receive federal social security disability benefits in Portsmouth from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to receive SSDI benefits, the SSA must determine that you have earned a sufficient number of work credits at a job covered by social security insurance. An easy way to find out if your job is covered by social security insurance is to look at your payroll check to see if Social Security taxes are being withheld. If you are able to fulfill both medical and non-medical requirements to receive social security disability in Portsmouth, the SSA may ultimately approve your disability claim.
Apply for Portsmouth Social Security Disability Benefits
The application and review process for Portsmouth social security disability benefits is rather involved. Applicants have the option to submit applications either online or in person at a local SSA field office. In the state of Virginia, about one-third of initial social security disability claims are awarded. While you retain the option to appeal that initial decision if your claim is denied, the fact is most people won’t appeal. Even if you do decide to file a Request for Reconsideration to have your Portsmouth social security disability case reviewed a second time, only 13% of appeals are later awarded. As such, it is a good idea to hire a Portsmouth SSD attorney early in the application and review process.
A disability attorney can help you to organize your case so that it goes more smoothly. One of the main reasons disability claims are denied is that the paperwork and documentation needed to prove a claim are simply not in order. A Portsmouth SSD attorney can make sure your paperwork is in order, completed correctly and promptly filed. As well, it benefits you to have an attorney representing you throughout your Portsmouth disability case; recent reports by the Office of Inspector General for the SSA state that hiring a disability attorney early in the application process significantly improves your chances of receiving disability benefits.
If you have already begun the application process, chances are good you may receive a denial letter. Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of receiving that letter. If your case is reviewed a second time and denied a second time, you can work with your disability attorney to have your Portsmouth social security disability case heard by an administrative law judge in the Norfolk office. At the hearing level, half of the cases heard by an administrative law judge are awarded.
Listed below are the local Social Security Offices where a Portsmouth Social Security applicant can file a claim for disability benefits:
Portsmouth Social Security Disability
3305 Airline Blvd.
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Portsmouth Social Security Disability Resources
The outcome of your Portsmouth social security disability case depends on the information and evidence you are able to provide on your case. Make sure that you are receiving regular medical treatment for your disability by a licensed medical or mental health professional.
Listed below are free/reduced-cost health clinics located in the Portsmouth Area:
Portsmouth Community Health Center
664 Lincoln St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Portsmouth Social Security Disability Resources
The outcome of your Portsmouth social security disability case depends on the information and evidence you are able to provide on your case. Make sure that you are receiving regular medical treatment for your disability by a licensed medical or mental health professional.
Listed below are free/reduced-cost health clinics located in the Portsmouth Area:
Portsmouth Community Health Center
664 Lincoln St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Hampton Roads Community Health Center
664 Lincoln Street
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
Chesapeake Care
2145 South Military Highway
Chesapeake, VA 23320
American Red Cross Portsmouth /West Chesapeake Chapter
700 London Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Bon Secours Maryview Behavioral Medicine Services
3636 High Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707
Your Portsmouth Disability Claim
If you do not have the right medical documentation on file, you will be denied disability benefits. Before you file a claim for benefits, be sure to contact a Portsmouth disability attorney for guidance and assistance. If you are denied benefits, he or she will also represent you throughout the appeals process. The initial consultation with a disability lawyer is free and these individuals are only paid if you are awarded benefits.
