Reading (Berks County) residents who are disabled and out of work as a result can turn to a Reading social security disability attorney for help. These attorneys will be able to evaluate your situation and let you know whether or not you should bother applying for disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). As of December 2011, there were 11,310 individuals receiving SSDI benefits and 9,957 individuals receiving SSI benefits in Berks County.
A Reading disability applicant can either apply for disability online or at one of the SSA offices listed below:
201 Penn Street
Suite 200
Reading, PA 19601
1809 Olde Homestead Lane
Suite 104
Lancaster, PA 17601
924 Russell Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042
221 W. Market Street
2nd Floor Rear
Pottsville, PA 17901
Reading Disability Attorneys
You can choose to not use a disability attorney and apply on your own. However, you should be aware that even those who do use a Reading disability attorney are usually denied at the initial claim and have to wait over a year to be approved. Thus, it would be in your best interest to at least consult with an attorney or advocate.
Disability Attorney’s fee structure>>>
Reading Social Security disability lawyers also handle claims in nearby cities such as Pottstown, Lebanon, Phoenixville, Lancaster, Allentown, Fullerton, and Coatesviulle. They also represent other applicants residing in Berks, Chester, Montgomery, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
The Berks County Bar association will be able to answer all questions you have related to hiring an attorney in Reading:
Berks County Bar Association
544 Court Street
Reading, PA 19603
Reading SSD Hearings
All reading disability applicants who have been denied for disability at the initial and reconsideration stages will have to request a hearing with the Harrisburg Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
As of March 2013, there are 6,243 pending cases at the Harrisburg ODAR and the wait time is 375 days. Between October 2012 and January 2013, the Harrisburg office had 1590 hearings scheduled. Approximately 75.1% of these hearings were resolved (approved, partially approved or denied). The 9 judges at the Harrisburg office combined to hold about 26 hearings per day on average.
If you are unable to appear in person at your hearing, video conferencing is an option. Approximately 9% of the hearings at the Harrisburg office are video hearings.
Your Reading disability attorney will be familiar with the specifics associated with this office and will be use that to your advantage during your hearing.
If you are facing an extremely difficult medical or financial situation it can be difficult to wait over a year for your hearing. You should contact your congressman to see if it is possible to speed up the scheduling of your hearing.
Fill out the form below to speak with a Reading disability attorney or advocate for free.
