Topeka (Shawnee County) residents have access to many experienced Social Security Disability lawyers who are available to assist those applying for disability benefits. If you or a loved one is interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits, a Topeka lawyer can walk you through each stage of the process to ensure that you receive the disability benefits you need.
Right now, the Topeka hearing office is handling 2,423 pending cases and is experiencing a processing time of 333 days. Although the wait for disability benefits can be long and discouraging, many Shawnee County residents find disability payments to be worth the trouble. In December 2011, Shawnee County was home to 6,450 SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) recipients and 4,712 SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients.
For more information regarding the different Social Security Disability options, visit this page.
If you are ready to begin the Social Security Disability application process, you can fill out an application online or in person at a local SSA office. Listed below are a few offices located in or around the Topeka area:
600 SW Commerce PL
Topeka, KS 66615
Telephone: (888) 327-1271
1440 Wakarusa
Suite 200
Lawrence, KS 66049
Telephone: (785) 843-2254
3010 W 18th Ave
Emporia, KS 66801
Telephone: (620) 343-2345
Consulting with a Topeka Social Security Disability Attorney
If you have never been through the Social Security Disability application process, it can seem complicated and overwhelming. If you find yourself in this position, it may be in your best interest to speak with an attorney or advocate about your claim. He or she will be familiar with cases like yours and will know what documentation and records are necessary to be awarded benefits.
To learn more of the benefits of hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer, click here.
A Topeka Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Shawnee County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Osage County, Wabaunsee County, Pottawatomie County, and Jackson County: Valley Falls, Horton, Oskaloosa, Lawrence, Baldwin City, Ottowa, Osage City, Emporia, Herington, St. Mary's, Manhattan, Wamego, Junction City, Olathe, Kansas City, Shawnee, Leavenworth, and Atchison.
Contact the following bar association for more information about the legal professionals near you:
Topeka Bar Association
534 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 1130
Topeka, KS 66603
Topeka Disability Hearings
If your initial application and request for reconsideration are denied, you will have to schedule a hearing to be held at the Topeka Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
Below is a list of approval rates for the administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disability claims in the Topeka hearing office:
| ALJ | Approval Rate |
| Burbank, Robert J. | 45.95% |
| Burrichter, Michael D. | 22.49% |
| Comisky, Michael | 1.30% |
| Johnson, Scott | 24.31% |
| Laba, Sherianne | 22.22% |
| Mance, Michael D. | 32.40% |
| Morrison, LaSandra | 45.60% |
| Shilling, Michael D | 19.41% |
| Stueve, Timothy G. | 22.99% |
*Data from http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.html
Topeka lawyers often become well acquainted with the judges who handle disability claims in their local hearing office. This insight can be used to prepare your case effectively.
In some cases, scheduling a disability hearing can take a very long time. If financial or medical complications are making it difficult to wait until your scheduled date, you can contact your local congressman to expedite your hearing. If you can explain the severity of your circumstances, your congressman may be able to intervene with the ODAR on your behalf. Your local congresswoman is:
Lynn Jenkins
3550 SW 5th Street
Topeka, KS 66606
Phone: (785) 234-LYNN (5966)
Fax: (785) 234-5967
If you would like a free legal consultation with a Topeka Social Security attorney or advocate, fill out the form below :
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