Where are the best ODAR offices to apply for disability benefits?

If you suffer from a disability and find yourself unable to work, you may be able to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

These benefits can help you pay for your medical expenses and everyday costs of living.

Top ODAR Offices

After you initially apply for disability benefits, the SSA may deny your application based on a lack of sufficient medical evidence or a variety of other factors.

Luckily, this decision can be appealed, during which the SSA will reconsider your application and approve or deny it.

If your application is denied after the reconsideration stage, you can appeal your case again and your case will be sent to an office of disability adjudication and review (ODAR) for a hearing.

There are ODAR offices located across the country, and approval rates for your hearing will vary based on the judge at the ODAR office handling your case.

Here are some of the top ODAR offices in the country that have ruled fully favorable or partially favorable disability benefits case hearings over the past year, including the presiding administrative law judge (ALJ), total cases, and the amount of awards and denials:

• Orland Park, Illinois
  • Administrative law judge: William J. Mackowiak
  • Total cases: 366
  • Awards: 248
  • Denials: 49
• Kingsport, Tennessee
  • Administrative law judge: Michael J. Davenport
  • Total cases: 349
  • Awards: 234
  • Denials: 85
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Administrative law judge: James A. Burke
  • Total cases: 310
  • Awards: 234
  • Denials: 33
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Administrative law judge: Ramon E. Quinones
  • Total cases: 264
  • Awards: 211
  • Denials: 28
• Tampa, Florida
  • Administrative law judge: Paul L. Johnston
  • Total cases: 273
  • Awards: 215
  • Denials: 13