Experienced Joliet Social Security Disability attorneys are available to help the disabled residents of Joliet, Illinois (Will County) apply for disability benefits. With the help of a qualified attorney or advocate, you too can receive the disability benefits you need to achieve financial stability.
Many Joliet disability claims are handled in the Orland Park hearing office. The Orland Park hearing office is currently managing a total of 3,223 pending cases and has a wait time amounting to 314 days. It is important to note that, while the Social Security Disability application process can take many months, most SSD beneficiaries find that disability payments are worth the inconvenience. In fact, in 2011 alone, Will County was home to 11,785 SSDI recipients and 6,069 SSI recipients.
To learn more about the two Social Security Disability benefit programs, click here.
Initiating the application process is as simple as filling out an application online or in person by making an appointment with one of the following Social Security offices near you:
158 North Scott Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Telephone: 1-815-740-2020
230 West Lake Street
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Telephone: 1-800-772-1213
Consulting with a Joliet Social Security Disability Attorney
The different rules and guidelines that govern the Social Security Disability application process can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the disability programs. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to retain the services of a Joliet lawyer. He or she will answer any questions you may have and possibly increase your chances of approval.
Learn more about the benefits of consulting with a Joliet disability lawyer here.
A Joliet Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Will County, Kendall County, Grundy County, Cook County, and Dupage County: Ingalls Park, Crest Hill, Fairmont, Rockdale, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crystal Lawns, Shorwood, Minooka, Manhattan, Elwood, Aurora, and Naperville.
Contact the Will County Bar Association with any questions you may have about the legal representation available to you.
Will County Bar Association
167 N. Ottawa St., Suite 200
Joliet, IL 60432
Joliet Disability Hearings
If you are denied during the initial stages of your disability claim, you will be required to request an appeal hearing. Most Joliet disability appeal hearings are held at the Orland Park Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
Below is a list of approval rates for the judges (ALJs) who hear disability claims in the Joliet hearing office:
| ALJ | Approval Rate |
| Akers, Janet | 8.53% |
| Bruce, David R. | 50.39% |
| Davis, Diane S. | 24.28% |
| Ellis, Deborah M. | 26.00% |
| Ferrer, Victoria A. | 30.13% |
| Giesen, Deborah M. | 26.00% |
| Hellman, Michael | 41.72% |
| Johnson, Mathew | 38.37% |
| Kadlec, Kathleen | 16.04% |
| Kelsey, Roxanne J. | 0.00% |
| Pendola, Michael | 51.97% |
| Sayon, Karen | 32.47% |
| Smiley, Jennifer | 47.84% |
| Smith, Gregory | 53.08% |
| Supergan, Patricia W. | 52.37% |
| Thompson, Sherry | 8.33% |
*Data from http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.html
This information will be useful to an experienced attorney who has handled many cases in the Orland Park ODAR and is familiar with the various administrative law judges.
In some instances, it can take a long time to have an appeal hearing scheduled. If you are suffering from financial or medical complications, you can contact your local congressperson to expedite your disability hearing. Once you explain the severity of your situation, your congressman has the power to intervene with the ODAR on your behalf if he or she feels it necessary. Your local congressman's office address is:
Ottawa District Office
628 Columbus Street, Ste. 507
Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 431-9271
Fax: (815) 431-9383
To receive a free legal evaluation with an Joliet Social Security attorney or advocate, complete the following form:
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