Social Security Disability Hearing Offices

Social Security disability hearing offices are officially known as Offices of Hearings Operations (OHO). Previously, they were known as Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Statistically, this is where most Social Security Disability claims will be approved.

A Request for Hearing is the third step in the process and the second level of appeal that you can file in the Social Security Disability claim process. Generally, requests for reconsideration, hearings, and Appeals Council reviews should be submitted through your local Social Security field office. Your appeal will be forwarded from your local Social Security field offices to an OHO office to be processed.

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) have the authority to review the previous decisions made by the SSA and hold hearings at OHO offices. There are multiple ALJs assigned to each OHO office.

Where Are OHO Offices Located?

There are 10 regional offices that oversee more than 160 OHO offices across the United States and around 1,600 ALJs holding hearings at these offices. In addition to these main offices, the hearing system is further organized into 5 Hearings Hubs, which oversee 158 Hearing Offices, 8 Satellite Offices, and 5 National Hearing Centers (NHCs).

This extensive network ensures that claimants have access to hearings in locations throughout the country, including territories like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. OHO offices are located throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

When Was the List Last Updated?

As of February 2024, the list of hearing offices and regional hubs received its most recent update, ensuring you have access to the latest locations and contact information available. This means any office details you pull today should reflect the most up-to-date information provided by the Social Security Administration. You can find a list of OHO offices on the SSA website using the hearing office locator.

What Does an Administrative Law Judge Do?

The ALJ will apply the five step sequential evaluation process to the evidence in your file to determine if you are disabled. During the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about your educational history, your past work, and your limitations. If present, the ALJ will also question any medical or vocational experts.

ALJ Approval and Denial Rates

The ALJ assigned to hear your case can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. Every ALJ has different approval and denial rates. This means that some judges are more likely to approve a claim, but some are more likely to deny a claim, even if they are presented with the same evidence. Unfortunately, claimants do not get to decide which ALJ is assigned to their case.

An experienced Social Security disability attorney will be familiar with the ALJs and will understand their different biases and whether they are likely to approve a claim. This is one of the main reasons that a claimant represented by a lawyer is more likely to be approved for benefits.

What To Expect From the Social Security Administration Prior To Your ALJ Hearing

After you submit your request for hearing, the OHO will send you a letter confirming that they have received your request. You should also receive an exhibit list, which is a list of all the documentation in the file. If you do not receive an exhibit list, you should contact the OHO and request one. You can review this list to determine if any of your medical evidence is missing.

In addition to the exhibit list, you should also receive a CD-ROM with all your claim documentation in digital format. You should review the medical evidence in your file to see if there is any inaccurate information or if there are any diagnoses or test results that your doctor may have left out.

If there is information missing from your file, it is not too late. You can continue to submit medical evidence up to five business days prior to your scheduled hearing date.

At some point, you will receive a letter from the OHO informing you of the date and time of your hearing. Unfortunately, you may be in for a long wait. Sometimes it takes a year or longer to get a hearing date.

Work with an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney

The Ortiz Law Firm helps claimants nationwide receive Social Security disability benefits. He has been practicing law since 2001 with a focus on representing disabled workers as of 2005.

If you want to learn more about Social Security disability hearings, visit one of these pages next:

• What Happens at a Social Security Hearing?
• What Do I Testify About at My Disability Hearing?
• What Not to Say at Your Social Security Disability Hearing
• Benefits and Drawbacks of Video Conference Hearings

If you need a Social Security disability attorney to represent you at your hearing, call us today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation.