A Harlingen (Cameron County) resident who has not worked in a year due to a long-term disability is entitled to social security benefits from the Social Security Administration. Harlingen disability attorneys and advocates are available to assist with the application process. As of December 2011, there were 8,305 individuals receiving SSDI benefits and 22,317 individuals receiving SSI benefits in Cameron County.
The main difference between SSDI and SSI is the fact that SSDI is for individuals who have a strong work history, where as SSI is more of a needs-based program.
There are numerous SSA offices close to Harlingen. A few of them are listed below. You can visit one of these offices if you have questions about your disability application.
2005 W Jefferson Ave
Harlingen, TX 78550
Telephone: (866) 931-7075
3115 Central Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78520
Telephone: (866) 964-6486
Hiring a Harlingen Social Security Attorney
A Harlingen disability attorney will offer a free case evaluation. After the evaluation you can choose whether or not you want to sign on with the attorney. Even if you do sign with an attorney, you will not have to pay him or her anything until you are successfully awarded benefits.
More info on a disability attorney’s fee structure>>>
A Harlingen social security disability lawyer will also handle cases in: San Benito, Mercedes, Weslaco, Raymondville, Donna, Brownsville, Alamo, San Juan, Edinburg, Pharr and Hidalgo.
Have questions or concerns about the process of hiring an attorney? Contact Bar Association listed below:
American Bar Association - Harlingen Chapter
119 W Van Buren Ave, Ste 204
Harlingen, TX 78550
A Harlingen Disability Hearing
Almost 60% of initial claims are denied and almost 90% of those are denied at the reconsideration level. If your claim is among the denied, then you will have to attend a hearing at the Rio Grande Valley hearing (ODAR) office. Currently, there are 1,114 pending cases at the Rio Grande Valley ODAR office and the wait time is 249 days.
From October 2012 to January 2013, the Rio Grande Valley ODAR had 344 hearings scheduled. Approximately 79.9% of these hearings were resolved (approved, partially approved or denied). The 4 judges in the Rio Grande Valley office handled about 1.2 dispositions per day. The office as a whole had about 5 dispositions scheduled per day. Approximately 73% of the hearings were held in person and 27% of them were held via a videoconference.
Your attorney should be familiar with all things associated with the Rio Grande Valley ODAR office, as he or she will have likely attended hearings in the past at this office.
Once in a while, individuals who are facing a difficult financial or medical situation can have their hearing scheduled faster. To make such a request you will have to contact your congressman at the address below:
500 East Main
Alice, TX 78332
(956) 544.8352
For more on disability benefits in Texas, see our page on How To Qualify For Disability Benefits In Texas.
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