The process of applying for and winning social security disability benefits in Illinois is time-consuming. The Social Security Administration has outlined specific criteria which must be met in order for an injured worked to qualify for disability benefits. Fulfilling the requirements to have your case awarded is complex and paperwork-intensive. Both in the state of Illinois and nationwide, less than one-third (30.8% and 32.2% respectively) of all new social security disability cases are awarded and less than one-tenth (9.8%) of reconsiderations are awarded in the state of Illinois. SSD cases that have been denied a second time can be sent before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for review at a local hearing office. Five hearing offices are in the state. They are in Chicago, Peoria, Evanston, Orland Park and Oak Brook.
On average, an applicant should expect to spend a year or more having their case processed at the hearing level. The Dover office has an average hearing processing time of 370 days compared to the national average of 349 days. At the end of the wait, only 41.1% of Illinois SSD cases are awarded.
| Hearing Office | Approval Rate | Processing Time in Days |
| Chicago | 46.6% | 346 |
| Peoria | 33.5% | 365 |
| Evanston | 60.1% | 373 |
| Orland Park | 47.4% | 358 |
| Oak Brook | 52.4% | 404 |
Fifty-four Administrative Law Judges are assigned to the five Illinois hearing offices. Chicago has 14 judges, Evanston has 10 judges, Oak Brook has 9 judges, Orland Park has 14 judges and Peoria has 7 judges. If you decide to secure the services of an Illinois SSD attorney, your lawyer may be able to strengthen the presentation of your case as many attorneys who attend disability hearings on a regular basis quickly become familiar with the best ways to represent their clients by knowing and understanding the preferences of each of the presiding ALJs.
You can sign up to receive additional information and to schedule your free initial consultation by completing the evaluation form on this site. You are under no obligation to retain legal services and you will not have to pay attorney’s fees unless your Illinois disability attorney is able to win your case.
Click on the city closest to you if you would like a free consultation from an Illinois SSD attorney in your area:
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