With a population of 1.9 million, Nebraska is one of the least populated U.S states. Yet, about 20% of Nebraska residents live with a disability.
These disabilities affect their ability to work and earn a living. Fortunately, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) affords financial support to residents who cannot work due to a disabling condition.
That means Nebraskans with cognitive, mobility, physical, or developmental disabilities may qualify for SSDI benefits.
But not everyone with a disabling condition qualifies for these benefits. So, what are the qualification requirements?
Read on to learn about Social Security local to Nebraska and how to qualify for the benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Nebraska
Nebraska SSDI applications pass through a determination process to establish whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for SSDI in Nebraska, you must have been a resident in the state for at least a year and be covered by Social Security. One can only be covered if they have worked long enough and accumulated enough work credits.
At a minimum, you need 40 work credits to qualify, and 20 of them should be earned within ten years before you became disabled.
Secondly, your medical condition must be severe enough to affect your ability to work. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you are disabled if:
- You cannot work in the same capacity you did before suffering the disabling condition.
- The disability cannot allow you to adjust to more manageable job tasks.
- Your disabling condition has persisted or is expected to last more than a year or result in death.
The SSA does not provide for short-term disabilities. That means if your disability is projected to last only a few months, you will not be eligible for benefits.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Nebraska?
There are several ways of applying for SSD benefits in Nebraska. You can initiate the application online at the SSA website. You can also call the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
You can visit the nearest Nebraska Social Security office if you prefer an in-person application. Nebraska has six Social Security field offices you can visit to apply in person.
When applying for SSD, you will be required to provide relevant documents to prove your place of birth, U.S citizenship, your current work status, and your Nebraska Social Security number. You will also provide copies of medical records related to your injury.
Ask a trusted person to help you fill out the forms if you have trouble applying for SSDI. A friend or family member can help, or you may call the universal SSA hotline to have a customer representative guide you. An attorney may also be effective in filling out the forms.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Nebraska?
Once you submit your application for SSD benefits in Nebraska, the SSA will send it to the state Disability Determinations Services (DDS) in Lincoln. The DDS works under the Nebraska Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation department.
The Lincoln DDS will ask a claims examiner to review your application and the medical evidence to establish if you are medically disabled. The claims examiner may schedule you for a medical examination if your records are insufficient to make a medical determination.
Once they acquire enough information, the DDS will evaluate the amount of work your disability can accommodate. The DDS will return your claim to the SSA once they assess the evidence and work experience and compare it to the SSA requirements.
The SSA will contact you with the ultimate verdict on whether you qualify for benefits. You will start receiving the payments within five months if you are eligible.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Nebraska
In Nebraska, you have a 41% chance of having your disability claim approved during the initial application process. If you are not lucky, you can take advantage of the existing appeals process to get the much-needed disability benefits.
Nebraska residents can request an appeal online or visit the nearest Social Security Field office to appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration, where a new claims examiner who was not initially involved in your determination will review your claim.
Next is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) if your claim is denied at the reconsideration. The hearing is usually held in person and allows you to bring witnesses to present testimony concerning your disability.
The ALJ will decide based on the evidence presented at the hearing. If the ALJ denies your claim, you may go on to appeal to the Nebraska Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council.
If the Council still denies your claim, you can file a civil suit in federal district court.
Remember that appeals can take several months or even years before being resolved. You must initiate the appeal immediately after your application for SSD is denied.
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you through the process.
Nebraska SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Nebraska is in Region 7 (Kansas City), which serves Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. The state has six hearing offices, and the average wait time is 13 months, which is shorter than the national average of 18 months.
That means if you apply for an SSDI claim appeal today in Nebraska, it will take more than a year before being scheduled for your hearing.
Fortunately, the average approval rate at the hearing is fair. Nebraska has a 49% approval rate at the hearing level, which is higher than the national average of 45%.
If you are considering appealing a denied disability claim, hire an experienced SSD lawyer to fight for your rights and increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
Recent research shows that applicants who appeal with the help of a lawyer are three times more likely to be approved for benefits than those who do not.
How Do I Contact the Nebraska Social Security Office Near Me?
As mentioned earlier, Nebraska has six Social Security Field offices that help residents with their Social Security needs.
If you need help with applying for SSD benefits or following up on your claim, contact the relevant Social Security Field office from the list below for assistance.
You can visit the office near you or call them for help.
SSA Field Office |
Physical Address |
Phone Number |
| Omaha SSA Office | 604 N 109th Ct Old Mill Centre Omaha, NE 68154 |
(866) 716-8299 |
| Lincoln SSA Office | 100 Centennial Mall N Room 240 Lincoln, NE 68508 |
(866) 593-2880 |
| North Platte SSA Office | 300 E. 3rd St Rm 204 North Platte, NE 69101 |
(833) 329-5527 |
| Grand Island SSA Office | 115 N Webb Rd Ste 1 Grand Island, NE 68803 |
(877) 407-3441 |
| Scottsbluff SSA Office | 415 Valley View Dr Scottsbluff, NE 69361 |
(800) 297-4291 |
| Norfolk SSA Office | 605 Iron Horse Dr Suite 1 Norfolk, NE 68701 |
(855) 207-7082 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Nebraska
The process of applying for SSD is complex and confusing. An experienced Nebraska SSD lawyer can guide you throughout the process and give you the best chance of success.
Your attorney will help you compile necessary information and documents, file your initial application, and appeal a denial if you are not approved during the initial application.
Going through the process alone is not a good idea- contact us today for legal help.
