If you or a loved one cannot work due to an impairment or disability, there are a number of experienced lawyers in Gary, Indiana (Lake County) who are available to assist you with your Social Security Disability claim. An attorney will be able to simplify the application process so that you can reach financial stability.
The majority of Gary Social Security Disability applications are processed by the Valparaiso hearing office which currently has a wait time of 384 days and a total of 5,926 pending cases. Although you may be discouraged by the long wait for disability benefits, it is important to note that many residents of Gary find disability payments to be worth the hassle.
In December 2011, Lake County was home to 15,060 SSDI recipients and 12,735 SSI recipients.
To learn more about SSI and SSDI click here.
Begin the application process by filling out an electronic application online or in person at one of the following Social Security offices located near Gary:
808 South Lake Street
Gary, IN 46403
Telephone: 866-593-2911
418 Douglas Street
Hammond, IN 46320
Telephone: 219-937-5248
Consulting with a Gary Social Security Disability Attorney
To ensure that your Social Security Disability application is filed accurately, you should enlist the services of an experienced attorney. An attorney will be able to provide you with professional advice and assistance to get you the best possible outcome.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hiring an attorney or advocate, click here.
An attorney from Gary will typically handle cases in the following cities as well: Lake Station, Griffith, Hobart, East Chicago, Merrillville, Hammond, Munster, Portage, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, and Crown Point.
If you have further questions about the legal professionals near you, contact the Lake County Bar Association at the following address:
Lake County Bar Association
291 W. 84th Drive
Merrillville, IN 46410
Gary Disability Hearings
If your claim is denied during either the initial or reconsideration stages of the application, you will need to request an appeal hearing. Gary appeal hearings are often held at the Valparaiso Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
See below for a list of the approval rates and administrative law judges (ALJs) who handle cases in the Valparaiso hearing office:
| ALJ | Approval Rate |
| Fischer, Kathleen | 56.77% |
| Jones, Marc | 25.45% |
| Kramer, Dennis R. | 25.00% |
| Kristof, Edward | 44.04% |
| Long, Robert | 43.47% |
| Martin, Cindy | 49.79% |
| McGovern, Shane | 25.97% |
| Moore, Trina | 37.59% |
| Sampson, William E. | 0.00% |
| Scales, Romona | 32.42% |
| Schrand, Jeanette | 54.72% |
| Silva, Mario G. | 37.76% |
| Whestel, Michelle | 15.57% |
*Data from http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.html
Often, an lawyer will become familiar with the administrative law judges who hear cases in his or her local ODAR. This insight can be used to your advantage during the Social Security Disability appeal process.
Once an appeal hearing is scheduled, you may have to wait months until your scheduled hearing date. If you find that you are unable to wait this long—whether you are experiencing financial or medical difficulties—you can request a congressional inquiry. This involves calling your local congressman to explain the details of your situation and request that he or she intervene with the ODAR on your behalf. Your congressperson has the power to expedite your appeal hearing if they feel it necessary.
Merrillville Office
7895 Broadway, Suite A
Merrillville, IN 46410
Telephone: (219) 795-1844 or (888) 423-7383
Fax: (219) 795-1850
Complete the following form to receive a free legal evaluation with a Gary Social Security Disability lawyer:
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