Suffolk Social Security Disability Lawyer

A Social Security disability lawyer in Suffolk, VA can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial. The Social Security Administration approves only about 31% of disability claims nationwide, with initial approvals averaging just 36-38 %. An attorney can strengthen your application by gathering medical evidence, completing forms correctly, and representing you at hearings if needed.

As a respected Social Security Disability firm serving clients in Suffolk, Hampton Roads and throughout Virginia, Gillette Law Group, PLLC has helped many people in Suffolk navigate the disability benefits process and understands how the system works in real cases.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration runs two disability programs. Each program has different rules about who can get benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need to have earned enough work credits to qualify. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages, up to four credits per year. Most people need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources. You don’t need work history to qualify for SSI. The program looks at your financial situation and whether you have a qualifying disability.

Both programs use the same strict definition of disability. Your medical condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. In 2025, you can’t earn more than $1,620 per month from work, or your earnings may affect your benefits.

The Five-Step Disability Review Process

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step evaluation process to decide if you’re disabled. Each step builds on the one before it.

1. First, they check if you’re working. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, you typically won’t qualify.

2. Second, they determine if your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work.
3. Third, they compare your condition to the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. This list describes medical conditions considered severe enough to prevent work. If your condition matches or equals a listed impairment, you may be approved at this stage.If your condition doesn’t meet a listing, the review continues.

4. Fourth, they assess whether you can do the work you did before. Can you perform your past job with your current limitations? If yes, you’ll be denied.

5. Fifth and finally, if you can’t do your past work, they decide if you can do any other work. They consider your age, education, work experience, and physical or mental limits. This step is where many cases are decided.

What SSA office handles Suffolk, VA, social security disability claims and appeals?

1. Local SSA Field Office (Initial Claims & Administration)

The local Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office handles your initial application, non-medical requirements, and general benefit management.

• Office: SSA Field Office: Suffolk
• Address: 502 Hillpoint Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434
• National Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-772-1213
• Local Phone: 1-866-835-7769
• Hours: Generally Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Calling ahead or using the national line for appointments is recommended).

2. Disability Determination Services (DDS) (Medical Review)

The Virginia Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency that gathers medical evidence and makes the decision on the medical eligibility for your initial claim and the first appeal (reconsideration). Suffolk is served by the Tidewater District Office.

• Office: Virginia DDS Tidewater District Office
• Address: 5850 Lake Herbert Dr., Suite 200, Norfolk, VA 23502-2237
• Toll-Free Phone (General DDS Line for claims status): 1-855-445-3938
• Local Phone: 1-757-466-4300
• Fax: 1-757-455-3829

3. Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) (Appeals/Hearings)

If your claim is denied by the DDS, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is handled by the OHO, and Suffolk claims are routed to the Norfolk Hearing Office.

• Office: SSA Office of Hearings Operations (OHO): Norfolk Hearing Office
• Address: 5850 Lake Herbert Drive, 3rd Floor, Norfolk, VA 23502
• Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-931-9167
• eFile Fax (for representatives): 1-877-871-1879
• Hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Call to confirm).

Why Most Disability Claims Are Denied

According to SSA data, about 67% of disability claims are denied. The average approval rate across all stages was just 31% for claims filed between 2011 and 2020. Only 21% of applicants received approval at the initial level.

Many claims fail because of incomplete medical evidence. The SSA needs detailed records showing how your condition limits your daily activities and ability to work. Missing doctor visits or gaps in treatment can hurt your case. They may assume your condition isn’t severe if you’re not seeing doctors regularly.

Technical errors also cause denials. Application forms are long and complex. Small mistakes or missing information can lead to rejection before your medical condition is even reviewed. About 43% of applications receive what’s called a “technical denial” for these reasons.

Timing matters as well. You need to apply while your condition is severe enough to prevent work. Applying too early or waiting too long can both create problems. The SSA looks at whether you can work now, not whether you might improve in the future.

In Virginia, disability hearings can be especially challenging. Richmond’s hearing office has one of the lowest approval rates in the country, at around 35%. Having representation at this stage becomes even more important in our state.

How a Disability Lawyer Strengthens Your Case

A Social Security disability lawyer helps at every stage of the process. They start by reviewing your work history and medical records to see if you qualify. This early review can save you time if you don’t meet the basic requirements yet.

During the application phase, your lawyer gathers medical evidence and completes forms. They know what information the SSA needs to see. They’ll work with your doctors to get the right kind of documentation. Detailed records about your limitations are more valuable than general statements about your diagnosis.

If your initial claim is denied, you can file a request for reconsideration. Your lawyer will review why you were denied and address those issues. They may get additional medical opinions or gather more evidence about how your condition affects you.

At the hearing level, having an attorney makes a real difference. SSA statistics show that hearings result in approval for about 8% of all claims filed. Your lawyer will prepare you for questions, present evidence to the judge, and question medical or job experts who testify.

The attorneys at Gillette Law Group, PLLC, understand how Virginia’s disability system works. Brian Gillette has represented many Suffolk residents through the application and appeals process. The firm knows what local judges look for in disability cases.

Important Facts About Disability Benefits

Recent SSA data reveals key trends about the program. In Sept 2025, about 1,584.46 disabled workers received SSDI benefits. The average monthly benefit was around $1,584.46 for disabled workers.

The application process typically takes three to five months for an initial decision. If you need to appeal to a hearing, the wait can be much longer. Many hearing offices have backlogs of over a year. That’s why it’s important to apply as soon as you become unable to work.

Once approved, SSDI benefits start after a five-month waiting period. This means benefits begin in the sixth full month after your disability began. SSI benefits can start sooner. There’s no waiting period for SSI if you’re approved.

Medicare coverage begins 24 months after you start receiving SSDI benefits. If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for Medicaid in Virginia. These health benefits help cover your medical costs while you’re unable to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits?

A: Initial decisions typically take three to five months. If you appeal a denial, the process can take much longer. Appeals to the reconsideration level add several more months. Waiting for a hearing can take over a year in many areas.

Q: Can I work while applying for disability benefits?

A:You can work if you earn less than the substantial gainful activity limit. In 2025, that limit is $1,620 per month. Working above this amount may disqualify you. Part-time or limited work might be allowed depending on your situation.

Q: What happens if my disability claim is denied?

A:You have 60 days to file an appeal after receiving a denial. The first appeal is called reconsideration. If that’s denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most people need to go through multiple levels to win their case.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits?

A:You’re not required to have a lawyer. However, representation significantly improves your chances, especially at the hearing level. Lawyers understand what evidence the SSA needs and how to present your case effectively.

Key Points to Remember

Social Security disability cases are often denied at the initial level, with approval rates averaging only 21%. Having complete medical records and properly completed applications improves your chances. Technical errors cause many denials before your medical condition is even reviewed.

Virginia’s hearing offices have some of the lowest approval rates in the country. Professional representation becomes crucial at the hearing stage. Lawyers know what judges look for and how to present evidence effectively.

Two programs provide disability benefits with different eligibility rules. SSDI requires work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and doesn’t require work credits.

The application process takes months, and appeals can take over a year. Apply as soon as you become unable to work. Don’t wait until your condition gets worse to start the process.

Contact Gillette Law Group, PLLC, for Help With Your Social Security Disability Case

If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, you may qualify for disability benefits. The application process is complex, and most claims are denied without proper preparation.

Brian Gillette is a top-rated Social Security Disability attorney in Virginia. Call Gillette Law Group at 855-873-2604 to schedule a consultation.