Worcester residents who are suffering from a severe disabling condition can qualify for social security benefits from the SSA (Social Security Administration). A Worcester disability attorney can help you determine whether or not you qualify, as well as which disability benefits program (SSDI or SSI) you should apply for. As of December 2011, the SSA reported that there were 26,040 people receiving SSDI benefits and 22,887 were receiving SSI benefits in Worcester County.
Learn more about SSDI/SSI here or visit your local SSA office:
51 Myrtle St.
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 866-331-9069
Haywood Wakefield
55 Lake St.
Gardner, MA 01440
Phone: 978-632-1004
4200 Washington St.
Roslindale, MA 02131
Phone: 617-323-5724
Hiring a Worcester Disability Attorney
After receiving a free evaluation from an attorney, you can choose whether or not you want to hire the attorney. If you choose to hire an attorney, you will be required to fill out form SSA-1696. This will officially establish the attorney client relationship with the SSA and your attorney will be able to communicate with the SSA on your behalf.
Click here for more info on hiring an attorney or visit the Worcester County Bar Association (370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608).
A Worcester Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Worcester County, Franklin County, Hampshire County, Hampden County, Middlesex County, and Norfolk County: Shrewsbury, Holden, Millbury, Grafton, Boylston, West Boylston, Paxton, Spencer, Leicester, Westborough, Auburn, Sutton, Charlton, Barre, Rutland, Sterling, Clinton, Hudson, Northborough, Springfield and Oxford.
Worcester Disability Hearings
In the state of MA, only about 60% of claims are denied at the initial level and about 80% of those are denied at the reconsideration level. If your claim follows the same path, then you will have to attend a disability hearing at the Springfield hearing office.
As of March 2013, the wait time to have a hearing scheduled with the Springfield office is 362 days. The wait time is so long due to the fact there are 3,545 claimants still waiting to have a hearing. The 6 judges assigned to the Springfield office do the best they can, but are only able to resolve about 10 hearings per day combined.
The SSA has been known to speed up the hearing for individuals who are in a tough financial or medical situation. To see if this is a possibility, please contact Congressman James McGovern’s Office:
34 Mechanic Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 831-7356
Between October 2012 and January 2013, the judges held a total of 1005 hearings and they were able to render a decision on 82.7% of them thus far. About 37% of the hearings were video hearings. Thus, if you live too far away from Springfield or have limited mobility, you can request to have a video hearing.
Fill out the form below for a free consultation!
