About 22% of Vermont’s population lives with a disability, much lower than the national average. Unfortunately, only five percent of the population receives Vermont Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
Individuals with developmental disabilities or other mental health conditions receive the most benefits, followed by individuals with a physical disability that impacts mobility. But generally, any disability increases the need for medical services and financial assistance.
So, suppose you have a disability and live in Vermont. In that case, the first step is to submit your application for SSDI before considering other Vermont social services that can provide additional aid.
If you are wondering how to apply for these benefits, this post is for you. We will discuss everything about social security local to Vermont including eligibility criteria and the application process.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Vermont?
The qualification requirements for Social Security disability benefits are the same regardless of where you live in the U.S. Generally, you must meet two requirements to be considered for the program.
First, your disability should be debilitating enough to limit your capacity to work for at least a year or result in death. To determine the severity of a disability, the Vermont Social Security Administration (SSA) has a comprehensive list of impairments that are eligible for benefits.
While it is possible for a condition not included in the list to be an exception, the odds of acceptance are higher if your medical condition is listed.
The second requirement is that the applicant must have worked long enough to have paid into the Social Security program. Usually, this means working for ten years, but waivers are available for those with special needs who could not work because of their disability.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Vermont?
There are three ways of filing for Social Security Disability: phone, online, or in person.
Among these three methods, submitting the claim online via the federal Social Security website is the most efficient. If you prefer speaking to a representative directly, you may call the federal social security office at 800-772-1213.
You can also apply by visiting the nearest Vermont social security office. Remember to call ahead to make an appointment if you decide to visit a social security office.
Remember to prepare supporting information and documentation beforehand to attach to your application. Be ready to share personal information about yourself, your spouse, and minor children if you have any.
Have copies of marriage or divorce certificates, school records, and any military records for disabled veterans filing for assistance. Compile medical records showing your past healthcare and any physicians or hospitals that provided services linked to your disability.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Vermont?
After you apply for SSD in Vermont, your application will be sent to the Vermont Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. The DDS office will authorize a disability examiner to review your application and any medical evidence submitted alongside your application.
The disability examiner will also ask you for additional information if needed. They may also have you undergo a medical examination, usually conducted by a doctor not part of the SSA.
The doctor will provide a detailed report showing your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. Once all information has been reviewed, the disability examiner will conclude whether you are disabled or not.
If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a notification indicating the benefits you will receive, and with your Vermont social security number.
You will receive a mail notification if denied the benefits too. The notice will explain the reasons for the denial and what you can do if you disagree with the decision.
Usually, if you disagree with the decision, you file an appeal. But the appeals process is complex, so hiring an experienced Vermont SSD lawyer before proceeding is crucial.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Vermont
The good thing about Vermont state is its high initial approval rating. Its initial approval rating stands at 44%, compared to the 35% national average. However, this still means that 56% of disability applications are denied.
For this reason, there are set procedures for appealing a denial. These steps must follow a systematic order, and each should be initiated within 60 days of the initial denial.
The first step is to make a Request for Reconsideration from the SSA. Usually, a representative from the DDS reviews your claim to determine if you qualify. About 21% of applications receive approval at the first stage.
The second step is requesting a disability adjudication with an administrative law judge (ALJ). The hearing will be held at the SSA Hearing Office near you, but it may take some time to get an appointment.
You will be required to present supporting documents or witnesses at this point, so most applicants hire an SSD attorney to help them. Luckily, more than 50% of the applications are accepted during the hearing stage.
The few whose applications are rejected and still want to chase the benefits move to the next step of requesting the Social Security Appeals Council to review their case.
If the Appeals Council still upholds the lower decisions, your last choice is to appeal to the district federal court. You will need to hire an SSD lawyer to help you file a claim.
Vermont SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
As earlier mentioned, a Vermont disability applicant can appeal to overturn the SSA’s decision if their claim is denied during the first step of the application process.
A request for Reconsideration is the first step of the appeal. Unfortunately, 83 percent of these requests are still denied in the State of Vermont. The applicants were rejected at this step and requested a disability hearing before an ALJ.
The good thing is that almost two-thirds of SSD applicants are awarded benefits after a disability hearing. That means Vermont SSDI hearing has an average approval rate of 66%.
The bad thing is that it takes up to 412 days for a Vermont SSD applicant to be booked for a disability hearing.
Here is why the wait time is so high. Generally, the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is in charge of scheduling disability hearings for the SSA.
Your place of residence in the country influences which ODAR office will handle your case. The backlog of cases your specific ODAR office deals with affects how long you have to wait to have your disability hearing scheduled.
Vermont Social Security field offices in Burlington, Rutland, and Montpelier. Disability hearings in these three field offices are scheduled by the ODAR office in Manchester, Massachusetts.
On average, this office takes 412 days to schedule a hearing for Vermont SSD applicants. It takes an additional 45 to 90 days from the hearing date to know whether the judge ruled in your favor.
How Do I Contact the Vermont Social Security Office Near Me?
Below is a list of Social Security Offices serving disabled residents in Vermont. Call or visit these offices if you have any Social Security application process queries.
| SSA Office | Physical Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington SSA Office | 58 Pearl Street Burlington VT 05401 | (877) 840-5776 |
| Montpelier SSA Office | 33 School St Montpelier VT 05602 | (802) 223-3476 |
| Rutland SSA Office | 88 Merchants Row Rutland VT 05701 | (802) 775-0893 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Vermont
The Social Security disability process is complicated and often overwhelming. It’s essential to complete and submit all required application forms on time. Compiling all medical evidence to support your claim is equally crucial.
Only an experienced SSD attorney can help you with all these aspects of the SSD application. A lawyer can gather the needed evidence and represent you in front of the administrative law judge at your hearing.
At Legal Giant, we have helped many people in Vermont apply for SSD benefits. We understand the SSD application and appeals process and can guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
