2,322, 751 adults in Ohio reportedly live with a disability affecting their ability to work. This is equivalent to 28% of the population, which exceeds the national average of 25.6%.
Ohio’s population with disabilities is more likely to suffer from inactivity, high blood pressure, and obesity than adults in other parts of the nation.
Fortunately, disabling conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental disabilities qualify for disability benefits in Ohio.
If you live in Ohio and have a disability, you may wonder if you qualify for these benefits.
To explain this, let us look at Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility criteria and what to do to qualify for these Ohio Social Services. Keep reading to learn about Social Security local to Ohio.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Ohio
There are specific requirements for disabled adults to obtain Social Security Disability benefits in Ohio. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets the qualifications for all states, but the Ohio Disability Determination offices determine each claimant’s eligibility.
The first requirement is that the applicant must be a U.S citizen, have an eligible income level, and have a medically proven disability.
That means one must have enough evidence that supports a diagnosis for SSA-approved disabilities, including:
- Speech and hearing problems
- Visual impairment or blindness
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Mental health and neurological disorders
- Cancer
- Immune disorders
Secondly, applicants must have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. People earn work credits from employment, and a person needs at least 40 credits to be eligible for SSDI.
Only those who accumulate half of these credits within the past ten years of employment are eligible for disability benefits.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Ohio?
A resident in Ohio can apply for SSD benefits online, by phone, or at their closest SSA office.
The easiest method is to apply online at the SSA website. You can also contact the national number at (800) 772-1213 to have a representative guide you through the process.
If you prefer to apply in person, find the closest Ohio Social Security office from the list below and make an appointment. Currently, there are 56 SSA offices distributed throughout Ohio.
The application process is lengthy, but it is crucial to follow each step keenly and provide all necessary documents related to your disability. Generally, you need medical records about your disability and your physician’s contact information.
Apart from medical records, you will need proof of birth and citizenship, a recent W-2 form, your self-employment tax return, and your Ohio Social Security number.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Ohio?
Your newly submitted application goes directly to the SSA. The SSA then sends your application to the Ohio Disability Determination Services (DDS) office for an in-depth review of your condition.
The DDS is responsible for handling disability determination for all SSD and SSI applicants. They will check your medical records and, if necessary, send you for a consultative examination (C.E) with a physician of their choice.
It is crucial to do what the DDS asks of you during the determination process. If they schedule you for a C.E or an appointment, make sure to attend.
The DDS will decide whether or not you are disabled based on all the information they collect.
If they approve you for benefits, you will receive a mail informing you how much you will receive monthly. Remember, it may take up to five months in wait time before the benefits start getting paid out.
If they deny your application, the mail notice will explain why and inform you how to appeal the decision.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Ohio
Ohio approves 38.7% of disability benefits applications during the initial stage of applications. If you compare this to the national average of 37.9%, you understand how hard it is to receive SSD benefits.
Those who are not lucky during their initial application can appeal the denial. There are several stages of appealing a denied disability claim in Ohio, and an applicant must complete each step before moving to the next.
The first level of appeal is to request a reconsideration by a new DDS representative. The process is usually straightforward, and you may not be required to present new documents. You can file a request for reconsideration within 60 days of your denial.
Next is to request a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. You may be required to submit additional information and bring witnesses to support your disability claim.
Your disability hearing will be scheduled at one of Ohio’s eight Hearing and Appeal Offices. Of those lucky enough to get a hearing, 45% are approved for benefits.
If the judge denies your application, you can request a review from the Appeals Council. In case of another denial, your last option is to appeal to the federal courts.
Having a lawyer when appealing a denied SSD application is crucial. An experienced attorney will help you gather enough evidence to prove your disability and increase your chances of obtaining the necessary benefits.
Ohio SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) conducts SSD and SSI hearings in eight different offices in Ohio.
The ODAR currently takes up to 11 months to schedule disability hearings in Ohio. The average case processing time in the state is 397 days.
Ohio also has a favorable rate of approval. About 45% of Ohio SSD applicants get their applications approved at the hearing.
Although you stand a chance of getting your application approved at the hearing, it is essential to have a Social Security Disability lawyer represent you before the judge.
Applicants with a legal representative are three times more likely to get a favorable outcome than those who go to the hearing alone.
How Do I Contact the Ohio Social Security Office Near Me?
The Ohio Social Security Administration has 56 Social Security Field Offices attending to disabled residents.
Contact the Social Security Field Office near you if you need assistance during the SSD application process.
Social Security Field Office | Physical Address | Phone Number |
| Toledo-West SSA Office | 4906 Monroe St Suite A Toledo, OH 43623 | (877) 274-5429 |
| Painesville SSA Office | 55 W Jackson St Painesville, OH 44077 | (877) 692-3143 |
| Cincinnati-D/T | 550 Main St Room 2-960 Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (866) 593-1519 |
| Cleveland Dt SSA Office | 1240 E 9th St Rm 793 AJC Fed Bldg Cleveland, OH 44199 | (877) 378-9078 |
| Columbus SSA Office-Dt | 200 North High St Room 225 Columbus, OH 43215 | (866) 964-1723 |
| Akron SSA Office | 2 S Main St 2nd Floor Akron, OH 44308 | (877) 600-2858 |
| Lorain SSA Office | 221 W 5th St Lorain, OH 44052 | (866) 530-7818 |
| Ashtabula SSA Office | 4815 State Rd Ashtabula, OH 44004 | (877) 223-6059 |
| Mansfield SSA Office | 1287 South Trimble Rd Mansfield, OH 44907 | (888) 491-1882 |
| Lima SSA Office | 401 West North St Federal Bldg, Ste 101 Lima, OH 45801 | (800) 223-0288 |
| Toledo SSA Office Dt | 433 N Summit St Suite 1000 Toledo, OH 43604 | (866) 331-2196 |
| Zanesville SSA Office | 3823 James Court Zanesville, OH 43701 | (855) 884-3408 |
| Youngstown SSA Office | 354 E Federal St Youngstown, OH 44503 | (877) 714-0393 |
| Springfield SSA Office | 1610 N Limestone St Springfield, OH 45503 | (877) 405-1451 |
| Hamilton SSA Office | 6553 Winford Avenue Hamilton, OH 45011 | (888) 862-3585 |
| Canton SSA Office | 301 McKinley Ave S.W. Suite 100 Canton, OH 44702 | (877) 255-1509 |
| Portsmouth SSA Office | 921 Fourth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (866) 613-3961 |
| Dayton SSA Office | 200 W 2nd Street Federal Bldg Dayton, OH 45402 | (888) 329-5724 |
| Warren SSA Office | 258 E Market Street 1st Floor Warren, OH 44481 | (866) 964-7339 |
| Marion SSA Office | 1363 Wellness Dr Marion, OH 43302 | (888) 475-0296 |
| Athens SSA Office | 743A East State Street Athens, OH 45701 | (877) 840-7683 |
| Cleveland East SSA Office | 3591 Park East Dr Beachwood, OH 44122 | (877) 402-0823 |
| Cleveland West SSA Office | 17513 Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH 44107 | (866) 964-4389 |
| Steubenville SSA Office | 100 Mall Drive Unit E5 Steubenville, OH 43952 | (866) 253-6889 |
| Sandusky SSA Office | 252 Wayne Street Sandusky, OH 44870 | (866) 588-7397 |
| Chillicothe SSA Office | 44 Stoneridge Drive Chillicothe, OH 45601 | (877) 452-6971 |
| Cincinnati North | 10205 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45241 | (877) 833-2704 |
| Defiance SSA Office | 273 Stadium Dr Defiance, OH 43512 | (877) 600-2860 |
| Findlay SSA Office | 1720 E Melrose Ave Findlay, OH 45840 | (877) 628-6548 |
| Marietta SSA Office | 1301 Greene Street Marietta, OH 45750 | (855) 433-5872 |
| Newark SSA Office | 125 Derby Downs Rd Newark, OH 43055 | (866) 737-3514 |
| New Philadelphia SSA Office | 1260 Monroe St NW Suite 1C New Philadelphia, OH 44663 | (866) 731-4236 |
| East Liverpool SSA Office | 120 East Fourth Street East Liverpool, OH 43920 | (855) 269-9178 |
| Piqua SSA Office | 277 S Looney Rd Piqua, OH 45356 | (866) 931-2520 |
| Lancaster SSA Office | 252 Venture Place Lancaster, OH 43130 | (877) 841-5712 |
| Wooster SSA Office | 2345 Gateway Dr Ste B Wooster, OH 44691 | (877) 319-0729 |
| Ironton SSA Office | 611 Vernon Street Ironton, OH 45638 | (866) 789-1073 |
| Akron-West SSA Office | 2166 Romig Rd Akron, OH 44320 | (866) 837-5359 |
| Cleveland Ne SSA Office | 15250 S. Waterloo Rd Cleveland, OH 44110 | (866) 592-1802 |
| Cleveland Se SSA Office | 18711 Miles Ave Warrensville Hts, OH 44128 | (877) 405-0474 |
| Dayton-West SSA Office | 4375 Hoover Ave Dayton, OH 45417 | (877) 895-0038 |
| Cleve Buckeye Shaker | 11601 Shaker Blvd Cleveland, OH 44120 | (877) 635-3546 |
| Cleveland NW SSA Office | 7517 Lorain Ave Cleveland, OH 44102 | (877) 876-3172 |
| Cleveland SW SSA Office | 7344 Pearl Rd Suite 101 Middleburg Hts, OH 44130 | (866) 931-9176 |
| Batavia SSA Office | 1050 Hospital Dr Batavia, OH 45103 | (800) 453-0494 |
| Middletown SSA Office | 3715 Towne Blvd Franklin, OH 45005 | (877) 457-1738 |
| Ravenna SSA Office | 444 Enterprise Parkway Ravenna, OH 44266 | (855) 863-3562 |
| Xenia SSA Office | 80 N Progress Dr Xenia, OH 45385 | (866) 755-5372 |
| Medina SSA Office | 4035 N Jefferson St Medina, OH 44256 | (866) 613-2774 |
| Bowling Green SSA Office | 745 Innovation Drive Bowling Green, OH 43402 | (866) 931-7674 |
| Cambridge SSA Office | 1225 Woodlawn Ave Suite 105 Cambridge, OH 43725 | (866) 883-5281 |
| Gallipolis SSA Office | 2455 State Route 160 Gallipolis, OH 45631 | (888) 397-6343 |
| Fremont SSA Office | 2220 Enterprise Street Fremont, OH 43420 | (866) 614-4760 |
| Columbus East SSA Office | 220 S Hamilton Rd Columbus, OH 43213 | (866) 592-0733 |
| Columbus North SSA Office | 1051 Worthington Woods Worthington, OH 43085 | (866) 789-0957 |
| Columbus West SSA Office | 1060 Georgesville Road Columbus, OH 43228 | (866) 656-0178 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Ohio
The Social Security Disability application process is complex and overwhelming. Your chances of success depend on whether you are doing it alone or with the help of a lawyer.
An experienced SSD lawyer can help you gather important documents and guide you throughout the process to improve your stake of being awarded the benefits.
At Legal Giant, we can connect you with a local SSD lawyer in Ohio to help with your claim. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation and review of your case.
