Fresno Social Security Office

How to apply for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits in Fresno

Where is the Fresno
Social Security Office located ?

The Fresno Social Security Office is located at 640 W Locust Avenue 93650, Between Palm And Ingram Ave Behi Nd Walmart. Entrance On West Of Building By The Flag Pole.

Website:
https://www.ssa.gov

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurity

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/socialsecurity

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/socialsecurity

What are the timings of
the Fresno Social Security Office?

Opening times:

Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Office will be closed on the federal holidays.

What services can you apply for
at the Fresno Social Security Office ?

Your local social security office usually provides such services as:

Apply for Retirement Benefits
Apply for SSI and Disability Benefits
Check Application or Appeal Status
Apply for Medicare
Replace Medicare Card
Apply for survivors’ benefits
Obtain SSA Forms
Obtain a Social Security Card
Request a Replacement Social Security Card

Where is the Fresno Social Security Hearing Office located ?

The Fresno Social Security Hearing Office is located at 2440 Tulare St STE 300, Fresno, CA 93721, United States

Opening times:

Office will be closed on the federal holidays.

In Fresno, California, at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), there are 23 administrative law judges (ALJ) who preside over hearings for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Presently, the typical waiting period for an SSI or SSD hearing in Fresno spans 19 months. The average time taken to process a case in this location is 625 days. Additionally, the success rate for SSI or SSD disability hearings in Fresno stands at 41%.

What is the difference between the Fresno Social Security Disability office and the Fresno Social Security Disability Hearing office ?

The Fresno Social Security Disability Office and the Fresno Social Security Hearing Office serve different functions within the Social Security Administration (SSA) and cater to different stages of the Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) processes.

Fresno Social Security Disability Office:

General Services: This office typically handles a range of services related to Social Security, including the initial filing of SSD and SSI claims.
Initial Applications: Individuals apply for disability benefits at this office. The staff assists with the application process, answers general inquiries, and helps with other Social Security-related services.
Local Services: The office serves the local population for a variety of Social Security needs, not limited to disability claims. It’s often the first point of contact for individuals seeking Social Security benefits.

Fresno Social Security Hearing Office (Office of Hearings Operations - OHO):

Focus on Appeals: This office is specifically dedicated to handling appeals for SSD and SSI claims. If your initial claim for disability benefits is denied, and subsequent appeals like the Request for Reconsideration are also denied, your case can be taken to a hearing at this office.
Disability Hearings: The primary function is to conduct hearings for those who have appealed their denied claims for disability benefits. These hearings are more formal and are presided over by Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).
Specialized in Disability Cases: The ALJs and staff at the hearing office specialize in the complexities of disability law and focus solely on disability hearings and appeals.
Post-Initial Application Stage: This office becomes involved after the initial stages of the application process have been completed and an appeal is necessary.

How can I check my Social Security benefits?

The easiest way to check your benefits is by logging into your My Social Security account online. Once you get logged into your account, you can view benefit statements, benefit estimates, earnings history, and the status of any pending applications. That site should be your go-to for any information related to your Social Security account.

Should you use the services of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Fresno ?

Deciding whether to use the services of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Fresno, or any location, depends on several factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Complexity of Your Case: Social Security Disability (SSD) cases can be complex. If your case involves intricate medical records or legal issues, an attorney’s expertise might be beneficial.
Stage of the Process: If you’re just beginning your application, you might manage on your own. However, if you’ve received a denial and need to appeal, legal assistance can be crucial.
Understanding of Legal Procedures: SSD attorneys are knowledgeable about the legal process, deadlines, and required documentation. If you’re unfamiliar with these, a lawyer can guide you through the process.
No Upfront Costs: Most SSD attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Their fee, regulated by the Social Security Administration, is typically a percentage of your back pay and capped at a certain amount.
Statistical Advantage: Statistics show that claimants represented by attorneys have a higher success rate, especially at the appeal stage.
Peace of Mind: Having an attorney can reduce the stress of navigating a complex system and ensure that all aspects of your case are handled professionally.
Local Knowledge: A local attorney in Fresno will have specific knowledge of the local Social Security office and Administrative Law Judges, which can be advantageous.

How much does a Social Security Disability Attorney in Fresno cost ?

The cost of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Fresno, as in most places in the United States, typically follows a standard fee structure set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are the key points regarding these fees:

Contingency Fee Basis: Most Social Security Disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your disability case and are awarded back pay.
Regulated Fees: The SSA regulates the fees that attorneys can charge. The standard fee is limited to 25% of the back pay awarded to you, with a cap set at $7,200. After November 30, 2024, the maximum attorney’s fees are capped at $9,200. This cap means that even if 25% of your back pay exceeds the cap amount, the attorney’s fee cannot surpass the capped amount.
No Upfront Costs: Since the fee is contingent on winning the case, you typically do not have to pay anything upfront. The attorney’s fee is deducted from the back pay awarded to you by the SSA.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: While the contingency fee covers the attorney’s services, there might be additional out-of-pocket expenses such as costs for obtaining medical records, postage, and photocopying. It’s important to discuss with your attorney how these costs are handled.
Fee Agreement: The attorney must have a fee agreement or fee petition approved by the SSA. This agreement outlines the terms of payment and is subject to SSA approval to ensure it complies with the agency’s rules.
No Fee for Ongoing Benefits: The attorney’s fee is typically only taken from the back pay (the benefits you should have received from the time you applied until approval) and not from your ongoing monthly benefits.

It’s always a good idea to discuss the fee structure with any attorney you are considering hiring. They should be transparent about their fees and any additional costs you might incur. Remember, the specifics can vary slightly, so it’s important to get this information directly from the attorney you plan to work with. For more information about our free structure at LaPorte Law Firm, you can consult this page.

Our Fresno Social Security Disability lawyers and expert

100% Free, No-Obligation 30-Minute Consultation Call to Assess your Situation

Attempting to navigate the Social Security Disability claims process on your own can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to go through this complicated process alone. The Social Security Disability law experts at LaPorte Law Firm are here to help you obtain your hard-earned benefits.

When we take on your case, we’ll be with you every step of the way until the final result. Best of all, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid once you win your case.

Reach out to us for a free consultation by filling out a few details about your situation so we can evaluate your case and help you decide your next steps.

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With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.

Superb representation from Mr. Terry LaPorte. He is professional, brilliant, respectful, and a very kind human being. He is experienced and answers your questions patiently. He explains things in simple terms, making the confusing and complex disability process much easier to understand. His staff, including Maria, are helpful and offer outstanding service. Mr. LaPorte’s law firm is the best.

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